Serving Others--Self Takes A Back Seat

It is really hard to be good at serving others.

I'm really good at serving myself. In fact, the moment I am in need of something, I put a lot of energy into attaining whatever 'it' is--a drink, a fuzzy blanket to snuggle up to on the couch, someone to listen to my problems...the list goes on.

Before one can serve others, they have to see what people's needs are.

I've learned that great servants are often quiet, melding into the background. But they are always active. Servants are constantly on the alert and are very aware of their surroundings. A great servant is one who is proactive--someone who not only reacts to situations, but anticipates them.

Serving is really hard work. It takes a lot of practice. It takes dedication. It definitely does not come easily for most of us--the flesh longs to be served, not to serve.

I am so thankful for role models.

Jesus came to serve. Mind-boggling and very humbling to be served by my King.

My mom served her family, church, relatives, neighbors, strangers, all with a joyful spirit.

Many at TFC I have observed serving in a myriad of ways: holding doors open, holding babies so mothers can mingle, filling others' plates and cups, purposing to verbally uplift and encourage individuals, humbly rebuking when necessary, sharing recipes, offering advice on everything from stain removal to life insurance...I could think of a thousand things...

For me the difficulty lies in seeing what needs others have. Have you ever seen someone do an act of service that made you think, 'I should have done that,' or 'Why didn't I think of that?' Often there are needs all around us that we simply do not see until it is too late.

The psalmist said that the Lord teaches the humble person His ways and instructs him in what is right.

O Lord, teach us to 'out-serve' each other, in the spirit of Your Son, Who is the Great Servant.

"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'...so then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith."                                                                         Galatians 5:13-14, 6:10