It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others.  There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others.  Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season.  I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.

This is day seven in the first week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”.  This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others.  Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.

Serving God:
Serve to Be Like Christ

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.“
Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)

Who are some people that you have wanted to be like during your life so far?  Why?  Have there been people in various leadership roles over you that you would not want to be like?  Why?  Do you respond better to someone who works with you on a task or to someone who watches from a distance as they tell you exactly how to do it their way?  How would you define servant leadership?  Do you think it is really possible to become great by serving?  Who have you avoided serving that you need to serve this week?

Several times in the gospels, the disciples seem to try to figure out a “pecking order” — who was the greatest, who deserved the place of highest honor.  It seems to be our natural tendency to do everything in our power to be the one being served rather than the one serving.  However, if it is our desire to be like Christ then we must adopt His attitude and practice of becoming servant of all.  As you pray, ask God to empty your heart and mind of all pride that keeps you from serving.  Pray that you would follow the example of Christ in serving others for their benefit.

In prayer,

Tom