A Realistic Appraisal of Serving Others
We North Americans like things to be logical and fair. We not only like that, we operate our lives on that basis. Logic and fairness are big guns in our society.
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Insight for Today
Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.
Jesus Values Our Obedience
Reading the words of our Saviour, we need to realize the tremendous emphasis He put on obedience. As I think about appropriating Christ's model and commands, three specifics seem important enough to mention.
The Value of Obedience to God
Jesus, the Lord, goes to the bottom line when He said, in effect, "I left you an example of what you should do—carry out my directions, fulfil my commands, follow my instructions." That's obedience. That's doing what we are told to do.
The Strength of Serving Others
Jesus said it plainly. "I gave you an example that you should do as I did to you." He was looking for action, not theory.
Graciously Receiving and Giving
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.
Being a Servant Is Unannounced
As Jesus prepared to wash His disciples' feet, He never said, "Men, I am now going to demonstrate servanthood—watch my humility."
Proud Hearts and Dirty Feet
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.
A Self-Description of Jesus
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."
A Servant, Not a Superstar
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.
What's Your Motive?
Because the path of servanthood is so perilous, we need to cultivate a sensitive walk with God marked by obedience.
