Serve others this Holiday Season.
One of my favorite bible verses in the Bible is Matthew 11:28-30:
"Then
Jesus said, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you,
because I am humble and gentle and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light'."
When
I read those verses I can more times than not identify with the weary
and heavy burden part. Life is difficult and it can be severe in its
treatment of all of us. I love the verse because it reminds me that God
wants us to worship Him so He can serve us. He wants to serve us with His grace, mercy, forgiveness and His love.
Christ is the greatest example of servanthood.
Christ is the greatest example of servanthood.
Others before self.
After reading the 58th chapter of Isaiah I realized some important qualities about being a servant and having a servant's heart.
Below are three thoughts on "Servanthood":
1.
Servants are never selfish, servants are humble. Never do anything out
of selfish motives. In the end servants are not slaves. Don't let people
guilt you into doing things that are for their selfish benefit. That is
manipulation and manipulation doesn't merit a response of any kind.
Just be mindful that humility isn't thinking less of yourself it's just
thinking of yourself less.
2.
Always think of others more important than yourself. I'm not talking
about constantly beating yourself up or sharing with others that you're
not worthy. Self loathing, like arrogance, are difficult traits to experience and tolerate.
What I'm talking about is an internal dialogue one must have within
them self that creates a mindset that other people are more important
than themselves. There is nothing more attractive than a person that
displays heartfelt humility without praising themselves or putting
themselves down. They just have a quiet and confident spirit that does
all the talking and displays a humbleness that is more willing to
quietly give than receive. Acts 20:35 states, "It is more blessed to give than to receive". I agree. Once that lesson is learned it truly can revolutionize your life. Givers stick out like a sore thumb.
3.
Do not limit your sights upon your own personal needs and interests.
The world is much bigger than you. Thinking of only ourselves is
tedious, boring, narcissistic, lonely and unattractive. Life is grand
when it is shared with others in a manner that say's, "You are of great
value to me and you are important to me." Life is better when you focus
on others, not yourself.
This
Holiday Season seek out people who "serve" others and observe them.
Watch how they conduct and carry themselves, and then model their
behavior. It will be the best gift you give to those around you and the
best gift you will give to yourself this Christmas.
Ultimately, when you are a servant you are humble, gentle and you give rest to others, as well as, to yourself.
sbb 13.12.10
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