One of the hardest things in life is to cast down pride and a self-serving attitude to concentrate on being a servant to others.

In today's world, everywhere we look we're enticed to consider ourselves before anyone else. Abortion serves self, homosexuality serves self, drug and alcohol abuse serve self; even divorce in most instances serves self.

Jesus, through His example of love and humility, challenged us to consider others more highly than ourselves through service. John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." This easily applies to us as Christians..."Ask not what others can do for you, but ask what you can do for others."

If we could only learn to focus on others' needs, to serve them with an unselfish heart, our needs would be met as well. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:16a). In other words, focus on the needs of others and God will make sure our needs are met as well.

To have a "servant's heart" allows God to use us as His instruments to minister to all those around us.

"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:14-17).

Oh, that we would all learn to have such selfless compassion!

Lord, help me to remember that being a servant, having a servant's heart, and serving others is what pleases you. Help me to follow your example of love, humility, and selflessness, becoming less aware of self and more aware of others. Because of Your love and in Your precious Name I pray, amen!

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Romans 12:10).

© Jan Ross
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