06
Sep '18
Serve Humbly in Love
06
Sep '18
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Galatians 5:13-14)
Servitude is not a glamorous concept. Who in their right mind would sign up for a life of servitude? And yet that is what God has in mind for his people. God knows how service to others will bless us as well as the community around us.
Service is a great way to put aside our self-centeredness and notice how we are connected, even indebted, to others. When we start seeing the genuine needs of others, it deters our own sense of entitlement. None of us became the people we are alone, but by the sacrifice and investment of many others from our earliest years. And that doesn’t take into account what Christ has done for us.
Serving others not only reveals the bonds between us; it reflects the love of God. When we notice service to us, and when we serve others, we experience God’s grace. It points people to Christ. Jesus modeled grace that goes way beyond our understanding. He emptied himself for us, though we deserved nothing. His example calls us to “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:21). In our “me-first” culture, God calls us to put others first. What a challenge!
Are we looking out for others the way we look out for ourselves? Can we put their needs ahead of our own? How are you serving in your community?
Lord, teach us how to serve one another. Help us to put the needs of others first, as you did for us. Show us ways to use our gifts to bless others. In Jesus name, Amen.
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of Ephesians 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. May our lives always reflect Christ.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Thessalonians 3:5