“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” —Mark 10:45
Several years ago when tragedy hit a friend, she asked if my children and I could come and sit with her. It was wonderful to be able to do that, but when we returned home, we started to unravel. Everyone was wiped out.
I felt crushed. I prayed, “Lord, I know You intend for us to imitate Jesus, but I’m wondering why I don’t have more strength.” I wanted to be a servant, but I didn’t like how it felt. In our comfortable, modern world, it’s easy for me to believe when life pinches that I’m doing it wrong.
Then I remembered Luke 20 when Jesus told His disciples to beware of the Scribes. “They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment” (v. 47).
My faith isn’t meant to be a cakewalk or for my own pleasure or glory. If it is, it’s not just that I’m missing out on the better way. It’s that I’m living a lifestyle condemned by Christ, and that’s serious business.
Make it Personal
Pray that your motivation in service to others would ultimately be to bring glory to God.