Why are we so preoccupied with self? I know that I'm not the only one. Where are we when folks need us? Why do we feel inconvenienced when others cut into our time a little too much, especially when there are things we would rather be doing?. Our selfish nature seems to just jump right to the front of the line, and servanthood goes by the wayside.
Recently a friend of ours asked us to let their dog out because they were going to be gone the whole day. We were right in the middle of moving to a new home and we totally forgot. They texted us at 8 pm and asked us about it and we were not anywhere near their home but in another town taking a trailer back. I literally was in physical pain and had no desire to give anymore. i was exhausted and feeling inconvenienced? This was asking too much I thought. I was beyond tired and grumpy! The longer I thought about it the madder I got. Why were they not thinking of us while we were moving? Why were they not here helping us? These were my dear friends and servants of our church. After all it was just a dog i thought to myself, we were people. My husband reminded me of how the Lord would respond and that he had given them his word.
Servanthood is not just about giving when it's convenient, comfortable or even desirable. Scripture tells us, "Love your neighbor as yourself.’
So often, when others are in need, we forget that to be like Christ can mean sacrifice and sometimes suffering. Jesus said, take up your cross and follow me; The cross was the emblem of torture and suffering and Christ is asking us to take it up. This implies some sort of sacrifice and even unpleasant experience, does it not? It's not a sacrifice if it does not cost us anything. Christ was the beautiful picture of sacrificial servanthood. He gave everything because His love for mankind is more than we can fathom.
This does not sound like a” convenient type of servanthood” but one of sacrificial service, one of deep, mature selfless love. Are we willing to suffer, sacrifice and love others more than ourselves. The secular world proclaims we must love ourselves; the bible says to love others as we do ourselves, implying that we already love ourselves.
We must put aside self importance and all hindrances, because we serve in the name of Jesus. Don’t grow weary in well-doing the bible says, pick up your cross daily and follow him right into the lives of those around you. At Christ culture we desire to live in community but that takes effort. May God strengthen your walk, and your service in the week ahead.
I challenge you to INTENTIONALLY grow your love for your neighbor. Yes your neighbors, to know them all. Walk down the street and talk with them about their lives, build relationships and be willing to spend time with them. You will be surprised how much you will grow to love them and how many of them need you. You might even find yourself making sacrifices for them and serving them just as Jesus did.
Tina
Christ Culture Community Church is a group of believers in Farmersville/Princeton, TX dedicated to making Jesus known; they are located at 12 Stories Coffee Shop in Downtown Farmersville..