For I have given you an example – you should do just as I have done for you. John 13:15

What did Christ do for us? The obvious answer is that He died on the cross for our sins, which is huge. This was absolutely the ultimate sacrifice. The big picture. But let’s not forget the many other things that Jesus did and still does for us. Jesus washed feet, ate last, stopped and listened at the well, rolled the stone away, made the blind see again, turned around, helped the lame walk, and cleansed the lepers. He was a friend, a confidant, a steady hand, and He calmed the storms. Can we literally make a thunderstorm or tornado go away? No, we cannot. However, with prayer, a kind word, and a tender heart we can help ease the storms that are surfacing inside our neighbors’ lives. Can we heal the sick? I’m not a doctor, but I know the greatest healer of all, and He is just a prayer away. All through the bible, Jesus has painted a picture for us of how we should treat and serve others. Yes, He performed some large-scale miracles that prove how amazing our God truly is; He also showed us through small acts of grace and service how Christians should live out their daily lives.

We were called to be Christ-like, and if we study the Bible daily we can get that much closer to being Jesus in our community. Right now I am drinking coffee and staring out my window. It’s trash pickup day; these men work so hard in a thankless job. My sweet neighbor is walking across his driveway to deliver them Gatorade and to help load the trash. He does this every Monday, and I only know that because I’ve witnessed it – not because he boasts. After he helps load the trash he starts wheeling the neighbors’ trash cans up, so they don’t have to do that when they get home. A small way to show God’s love to others. If we can all focus on these small acts of true servanthood then we could make a big difference in our small worlds. It starts at home and then spreads out to our community. Let’s daily fight our flesh so that we can be closer to Christ than the day before. Let’s be the change.

God, today help me draw closer and closer to you in hopes that you would shine through me. Gently nudge me when you see little things I can do to make a big difference for someone else. Take my selfish desires away and help me serve others instead. Help me spread the love. Help me point people to you. Amen.