2:273 – Serving: Others Before Self

#faithbites #faithjourney #redletterchallenge Serving

We all have needs. Heck, even Maslow has our basic physical needs on the lowest rung of the triangle. I know what my needs are but I often forget them for others. I’ve been learning that isn’t healthy serving.

One thing I learned at D2MC, is how much of our culture is self centered around consumerism. Your way, right away. No hassle, come and get it. It’s aimed to take care of my wants without much thought or pressure. We aren’t focused on others.

This isn’t to say that we don’t serve. Many serve through church, social organizations, fraternal groups, and just helping out. This is a way to do it. Imagine if we flipped the script. We serve others before serving our wants?

Scripture

• “The greatest among you will be your servant.”   Matthew 23:11
• “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Reflection

God in all his glory gained flesh. Then he served others, often giving up food on his own, and making sure others were fed physically and spiritually.

In the Dave Ramsey program, you put into giving first, then savings, then your needs. Why do we do this?

It’s because we imitate Christ and follow the plan he’s give us. Call it Servant Leadership. Call it following Christ. Whatever you call it, it’s thinking and serving others first.

This isn’t easy as everything in our media tells us otherwise. Let’s make the change start with us.

Challenge

Find one person and one thing to do to serve. It could be as easy as just listening to someone. Maybe it’s giving them a can of green beans. Whatever it is, it’s an easy act of service. Begin with a baby step

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for the example you give us. Help us to serve others first. We know you will take care of our needs when you follow your plan. Your plan is us helping others at all times. Everything we have is yours that you give us to steward. Remind us of that and help us to share that with everyone. In your name, Amen.