Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.
Being a super high-achiever, I must confess I find it difficult to receive from others. Really difficult. I’m usually on the giving end, not the receiving. My pride fights hard to stay intact when receiving generosity.
As Jesus prepared to wash His disciples' feet, He never said, "Men, I am now going to demonstrate servanthood—watch my humility."
If a home could not afford a slave, one of the early arriving guests would graciously take upon himself the role of the house servant and wash the feet of those who came. What is interesting is that none of the disciples had volunteered for that lowly task...so the room was filled with proud hearts and dirty feet.
I've been involved in a serious study of Scripture for more than 50 years of my life, and in all that time I have found only one place where Jesus Christ—in His own words—describes His own "inner man."
Unlike most influential, celebrity types, Jesus' description of Himself doesn't sound like the popular hype we've grown accustomed to hearing. Jesus was a servant, not a superstar.
Because the path of servanthood is so perilous, we need to cultivate a sensitive walk with God marked by obedience.
In recent posts, I have written about God's servants feeling used and unappreciated, experiencing undeserved disrespect and resentment, and having hidden greed—a desire to be rewarded.
Exposed and sternly judged, Gehazi experienced a horrible punishment—leprosy (5:25-27). Gehazi had not only gone against the decision of the prophet, he had lied to him when confronted with his deeds.
As a pastor, counsellor, and seminary chancellor, I have often found myself in an unpopular spot. An individual who has come to me pours out his or her soul. And God very clearly leads me to confront or point out a few specifics that the person finds rather painful to hear, not to mention accept.
God may be using your words to help the hearers "come to their senses," which may sound very noble. But, believe me, there are times it's not a lot to write home about.
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