7 “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that, you may eat and drink’? 9 Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Luke 17:7-10
This is where it gets hard. This is where our flesh tends to creep in. We have worked so hard serving others and not one thank you. Either no one noticed or no one cares. If we are not careful we can quickly become bitter. When we set our expectations on how the people around us are going to respond to our acts of servanthood then our heart is in the wrong place. This is especially hard when we have spent so much time giving of ourselves and there is no earthly return. How can we get to the place that serving others is truly just about serving and not about the hope of accolades? Prayer. Worship. A strong foundation in Christ. Remembering who we are serving and why. We need to constantly remind ourselves that Jesus came to this Earth to save us, and we killed him in the most inhumane and brutal way. Who are we to think that we deserve some high honor for bringing food to the church potluck when Jesus gave his life for a race that half the time isn’t grateful? So many tasks that we do on a daily basis often times seem meaningless. It is important to remember that if these works are for Christ then they are definitely not insignificant. Although we are weary and tired here on Earth, and we are unsure if what we are doing even matters, we do have a reward in Heaven. 2 Chronicles 15:7 states, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” So keep going, guys! Keep on keepin’ on because no matter how tired, how overworked you are, there is a huge reward in Heaven. And even if you do not hear one thank you here on Earth, I know Jesus is thanking you. I know He is proud of you. I know that he would be working right by your side. Let’s get to the point where serving others is just that. No strings attached, no expectations, just love.
Dear God, help me today to serve with no expectations. No disappointment allowed.
Just help me remember that I am serving you, and my reward is waiting for me in Heaven. Help me to remember to keep on going because whether I believe it or not – me serving is making a difference. Amen.
Missionaries amaze me. They selflessly give up all of their earthly treasures and travel to a new place. A place that is far away from family and far away from Americanized amenities. They leave their home, their church, and their closest friends. That kind of surrender to Christ is the epitome of what true servanthood looks like to me. I stand in awe of missionaries because God specifically called them to serve in the hardest possible way that I can imagine. He knows their hearts, and He knows their hearts are pure and selfless. He knows that they will go. So, why doesn’t God ask all of us to uproot and move from our nice, comfortable homes? This is something that I have wondered about a lot. Even Christians, if we are not careful, can get caught up in the comparison game. We ask, “Why not me God? Is my heart flawed?” When in all actuality God just knew that we were better suited in a different area of serving. Not a lesser area – just a different one. All around us people are hurting. They are sick and tired of being sick and tired. They are chasing after things that will never satisfy their souls. As Christians, we are called to point them in the direction of Christ. We can do that right where we are at. Right here in our own community. He wants us to reach out to people that will not reach out on their own. He wants us to tell them about the hope and peace that only He can bring. People in other countries may not have heard about Christ, and it is imperative that missionaries go and spread the gospel. But don’t forget about the work that needs to be done right here at home. People in our community have heard about Christ, but do they really know the power of having a relationship with him? Do they know that He can and will wipe away all of their tears, calm the storm that is raging in their heart, and give them the hope that they need to keep going? People are hurting. People are hurting right here. If God hasn’t called you to a far away country I can promise you this – He has called you somewhere. You were called. We are called. There is a community/town/city somewhere that has your name on it. This is the place where God wants you to preach his Gospel. Let’s serve by speaking God’s truths into our place. Wherever that may be.
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.
Sometimes the best way we can serve people is just by being where they are. In a happy situation, we can sincerely celebrate their accomplishments or dreams with them by fully immersing ourselves in the moment. How did they arrive at this place? How hard did they work to get here? Why is this so important to them? Don’t just dismiss their achievements with a nonchalant atta boy; instead, truly celebrate the moment with them. They’ve worked hard. This is important to them, and by showing them that you truly “get that” then you are showing them a small glimpse of Jesus within you. Because Jesus cares. Jesus celebrates with us. Jesus knows when things are a big deal. He was never jealous of others’ good fortune. He was genuinely and honestly happy for them. If we want to be true stewards of Christ then we need to foster the same type of positive attitude toward others. Likewise, when someone is going through a time of pain, we need to legitimately be there for them. What has taken place for them to be in a place of mourning? How would we feel if this happened to us? How would we want our friends to act in this situation? When life is busy and demands are beating down our doors, it can be hard to recognize what needs our friends may have. This is where we need to stop and pause. We have to push our own needs to the side for a bit and focus on our neighbor. They may only want text messages full of prayers and kind words, or they may want you to come over and sit in silence with them. It may be taking time out to cook for them or to watch their children. Everyone is different. Everyone has different needs. It is so important as Christians to be sensitive to the personalities of the people we are serving and ministering to. Showing someone that we are there for them is a huge gesture. It is an indication that they are not alone, and that they can make it through whatever storm they are currently drowning in. Our ultimate goal is that they would see Jesus in us as we are serving them. Jesus is our one and only hope. So, whether people are celebrating a new job position or they were just bombarded with unexpected news – be there for them.
ur enemies is a reflection of Christ’s heart living within you. It is a reflection of Christ’s strength. Your being will always be weak;
You’ve heard the old adage “It is better to be a parent than a child on Christmas morning.” How true is that?! I mean the look on their faces. The excitement in your heart because you know what is inside the box that they are about to open. You know how badly they have wanted this specific item. As a mom, you don’t even need a present because of that look on their face – that’s it. That’s the stuff. Jesus was the ultimate gift giver. He gave his life so that we could live ours, and that made him genuinly happy. He gave his life for every single one of us. He knew that we would often dismiss him. He knew we would push him to the back burner to go about our busy, self-centered lives. We were so unworthy, but he still gave. It is so important for us to remember the willingness that Jesus exuded in his giving. God has given us so much in hopes that we will, in turn, do the same. Whether it be time, money, love, a listening ear, or a strong arm, God wants us to truly give with our whole heart. With that being said, we cannot give with the expectation of gaining something in return for our works. It is extremely important for us to not get caught up in the “what’s in it for me” mentality. Matthew 6:3-4 states, “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” You know what I love? I love the pay it forward movement. When I hear about people paying for other people’s coffee it just makes me happy. I mean how good does that feel! That’s just a small way to turn someone’s entire day around. Let’s start looking for small and large instances where we can give back or pay it forward. Let’s serve by giving. Let’s start a giving revolution.
The most important calling in my life is to serve right here at home. My family. My children. My mission field. I am by no means their servant; however, I want to serve them as best as I can while I have them inside these four walls. When I use the term serve I mean teach. I mean love. I mean direct. I mean growing little humans that can stand on their own two feet without me. Little humans that will be kind to their fellow man. As they get older, especially my almost teenager, I am having to learn to let go a little more each day. That’s hard on a momma’s heart. I am having to learn that I cannot helicopter every single move they make. I can’t protect them from someone being mean. I have no control over how much playing time they get in a ball game. I am unable to take their state-mandated tests. Man, it’s tough. As mothers there is something embedded deep inside of us that makes us want to hover, to cover, and to swoop down and protect our babies. Yet, I know without a doubt that the best way to protect our kids is to pray for them. We can protect them by modeling Godly behavior in all of our actions. We can let them see us pray, study the word, love one another, and serve with a willing and happy heart. Our children need to see God’s light shining through us because it may be the only glimpse of Jesus they get all day long. We need to serve our kids by creating a solid foundation on which they can stand when we are not there to hold them up any longer. When our children hurt, we hurt. Although we can’t, and shouldn’t, fight all of their battles for them, we can arm them with a slingshot. That slingshot is God’s word. God’s truth. I love what Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” We can arm them with scripture to remind them that they are important, that they are special, that they don’t always have to have the last word, to treat others the way they want to be treated, and to know that leaning totally on God is always the solution. Momma can’t win it for them, but with God by their side they will certainly never lose. If something happens to me tomorrow my kids will remember that I wasn’t the best cook, that I always lost my keys, that I need coffee before conversation, and that I loved Jesus more than anything else. The last one – that’s where it’s at.
Did you know that the word enthusiastic means full of God? When God tell us never to lack zeal or enthusiasm – He is telling us to always be full of him {God}. Be full of God. What are God’s characteristics, and how can we be full of them? Loving, strong, passionate, fair, fearless, zealous, compassionate, steadfast, and so much more. Enthusiastic people are game changers. They are world shakers. They are passionate leaders.They are eager to tackle whatever tasks lie before them, and they are on a mission to persuade everyone around them to do the same. Are they often in a state of negativity? No way. When you are truly full of God there isn’t room for negativity. How is it possible to serve God with zeal when we are constantly being pulled this way and that way? How can we be enthusiastic when we are absolutely exhausted and can barely put one foot in front of the other ? 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, “But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” I am so thankful for that truth. As a working mom that totes kids from place to place, some days I am just smooth exhausted. It’s hard to be zealous when you can barely keep your eyelids open. As modern day moms, our minds are constantly spinning. We are rushed, overwhelmed, and by Friday afternoon we are downright lethargic. But thank God for this truth – when we are weak and exhausted, God is strong. When we can’t put one foot in front of the other, God says let me carry you. God is lifting us up. God can and will place in our hearts the joy and zeal to do whatever tasks He is calling us to complete, and we can do these things with excitement because we know God’s promises will be fulfilled. We can serve others with excitement because we know that Heaven is waiting. We can keep going day by day because we know that God is in us. We are full of God. We are called to be enthusiastic. We are going to work as hard as we can to make God’s kingdom bigger, and we are going to have a huge smile on our face all the way to the finish line.
I absolutely love music, and I love to hear people sing. I love the piano. A young lady at our church plays the harp, and when she does I sit back in awe. However, I am well aware that music is not my gift. Although I will rock out to praise and worship music at the top of my lungs in my vehicle, I highly doubt I will ever, EVER, stand in front of a congregation on a Sunday morning and sing a solo. I’m so glad, and you should be as well! I’m so glad that God created all of us so differently. Each of us plays a huge role on this
Rays of Sunshine inc 