We have two dogs that my husband takes outside to play and exercise several times a day to keep their energy in check. That means my laundry room floor is continually dirty -- in the summer it's fresh cut grass, in the fall it's dried leaves, and in the winter and spring it's muddy paw prints. A couple years ago, I was grumbling to myself about the mess they make (as I swept it all up for the umpteenth time that day) when the quiet voice of God's Word whispered in my ear; "...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (I Cor. 10:31) I realized that it's easier to serve God in the fun, up-front things, and things that get us recognition and praise; but more difficult to do the thankless jobs, the things that no one notices, or the yucky stuff.
Society often gives honor to those who are "successful" and make it to the top, but Jesus measures us a different way, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”(Mark 9:35) He isn't impressed with our education, our money, our executive position, our pile of possessions, or our famous friends. He's interested in whether or not we have a servant's heart.
We're good at coming up with excuses for things we'd rather not do. Sometimes we feel a job is beneath us or not our responsibility. Maybe we're busy and our schedules are too full. Sometimes we fail to serve because we're all caught up in our own problems and just not paying attention to the needs of others. In all honesty, sometimes we're just plain lazy, selfish, or indifferent.
Serving isn't about doing big things, there are a million little things we can do for others. Things as simple as holding a door, cleaning up your table at the restaurant to save the waitress some work, being friendly to the lonely person in the room, or putting away the cart someone left in the middle of the parking lot. Remember Luke 16:10, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much,"
I'd love for you to leave a comment and tell me about some practical ways you try to serve the people around you.
Supplies and Tools from the Stamp Simply Store:Other Suppiles:
