A Life Worthy

Tag: servant

  • One-a-Day Wednesday 5/7/14

    number 1Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).

    Other people annoy me.

    I know I’ve said it before, and I shouldn’t say it at all, but there it is.

    The problem is, other people never seem to put me first.  I mean, I could put the other person ahead of me once in a while, if I were confident that they would be putting me ahead of themselves at the same time.  Then, you know, each of us would get to be first.  But what happens is, I put them first, and they put them first, and I’m left out in the cold.

    But it’s not about me.

    At least, it’s not supposed to be.

    Why do I do it, Beloved?  Why do I keep score, like there’s a cosmic points system and I’m afraid of falling behind?  When will I learn—really, in my heart of hearts learn—that God will meet all my needs, and that I don’t have to look to others for my validation?  When will I be truly free to serve without keeping score?

    I’m glad you’ve got it all together, Beloved.

    Me—I’m a mess.

  • One-a-Day Tuesday 5/6/14

    number 1For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought… (Romans 12:3).

    “Yes, but I deserve…”

    Dangerous words.

    I can’t tell you how many times those words, or at least that spirit, has flashed through my mind when I had the opportunity to help/serve/love someone.  If it’s going to take any sacrifice on my part, my brain immediately jumps to reasons that I shouldn’t have to do it, why I deserve better…or at least why I deserve recognition for my noble sacrifice.

    And then, if I’m lucky, I remember.

    It’s not about me.

    This verse comes right after Paul’s urging to offer ourselves, “As living sacrifices,” and to be, “Transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  The thread here seems to be that if we belong to God and he is truly at work in us, we will be able to see ourselves as we really are, with eyes that are unclouded by pride and self.

    In those moments, when God allows me to see myself as I really am, I dare not utter the words, “I deserve…”

    Because I know what I deserve…and it ain’t recognition for my noble sacrifice.

    Take a good look at yourself today, Beloved.  You don’t deserve much, and yet you are worth everything.

    And so is that person God is calling you to serve.