Morning devotional
I just thought I’d share a little Bible verse with you guys this morning!
Are we only doing things when it's convenient for us?
What if Jesus had your mentality during his ministry?
WWJD seems pretty clique for anyone who isn't living in the 90s, however, it still holds today, however when we approach any situation in our life, whether it's the church, marriage, dating, finances, etc., WWJD should be considered.
So in regards to serving, WWJD? We know that it wasn't convenient for him; he was a busy man and served sacrificially. He also came to serve and not be served. From His example, we should take note.
I say this often but it's worth repeating - If we say we are followers of Jesus, we should follow his example and put into practice what we preach.
We ought to serve, but not when it's convenient for us, we ought to love though we may be hated, and we ought to give, though we have little to none to provide. Because that is what Jesus did, so we ought to as well.
If everyone serves, then everyone's needs are met.
Just like in a marriage, if both parties are serving each other, then neither feels neglected. The same goes for church, not only with actually serving but the attitudes that we have when we are serving. This goes back to Thomases point about how our attitudes affect the atmosphere. If we have nobody who wants to serve then nobody's needs will be met.
But if we have everyone serving, but only half healthy or begrudgingly or because we are forced to serve because our spouse said so. Then we are going to have a church culture that is half in and half out, we are no better than a local library or YMCA. Christ called us to be more and to do more than that.
Because that is what He modeled for us. #christiangirl #lemon8diarychallenge #dailydevotional #biblestudy #biblejournaling
Building on what I shared earlier about Matthew 20:26-28, I've been reflecting even more on what it truly means to be a servant leader, just as Jesus exemplified. That powerful image of someone washing another's feet – it's more than just a historical act; it's a profound demonstration of humble service that challenges us all. When Jesus said, 'whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave,' He wasn't advocating for self-abasement in a negative sense, but rather a radical shift in our understanding of power and influence. It's easy to serve when it's convenient, or when we expect something in return. But the true test of this verse, 'he who wants to be great must serve,' comes when service is inconvenient, unappreciated, or even costly. Think about those moments in our own lives: lending a listening ear when you're exhausted, offering practical help when your own plate is full, or forgiving someone who hasn’t asked for it. These are the opportunities where we truly embody the spirit of Matthew 20:26-28. In my own experience, I've found that striving for this kind of service completely transforms relationships. In marriage, for instance, actively looking for ways to serve my partner, even in small, unseen ways, helps to keep the connection strong and selfless. It's not about keeping score, but about continually pouring into each other's lives. Similarly, within our church communities, when we step up to serve not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to see others flourish, the whole atmosphere changes. It moves from being a group of individuals to a vibrant, caring body. The key, as the verse implies, isn't just what we do, but the heart behind it. Are we serving with a joyful spirit, or with grudging reluctance? Are we truly aiming to uplift others, or are we secretly seeking recognition? Jesus' example of being one 'who came not to be served but to serve' reminds us that the greatest impact often comes from the quiet, self-sacrificial acts that may never receive earthly applause. It’s about cultivating an inner posture of humility and love, consistently asking ourselves, 'How can I truly be a blessing here?' This journey of living out Matthew 20:26-28 is a lifelong one, but each step taken in humble service brings us closer to the heart of Christ and helps us discover a profound, lasting greatness.
Thanks for sharing this today.