Called to Serve
Culture tells us that status, power, and influence are what’s important, that in order to be successful, we need to have these attributes. But Jesus came into the world and completely changed that narrative. Today we are reflecting on the idea of being a servant. Let’s start off with praying that God opens our hearts to hear what He has to say.
Lord, I pray that You help me have an open heart and an open mind. This topic is hard. I know that You call us to serve those in our lives. Help me to trust in You. Help me to see how I need to put the needs of others before my own. Amen.
Matthew 20:20-28 (NLT)
20 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” he asked.
She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?”
“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”
23 Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”
24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Today’s culture certainly provides its own definition of success – wealth, power, admiration, and respect. But in today’s passage, scripture points out that a truly successful person goes through life with a servant’s heart. They appreciate others, they do not think of themselves as better or more deserving, and they meet other people’s needs. Jesus even points out that this is what He was called to do: “not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (verse 28).
Interestingly, not only are we being obedient to Christ when we serve others, but many of our own needs and desires in life are met when we live this way. We find joy, love, and purpose by caring for and serving others. Do you find yourself being filled when you serve others?
Being able to have someone say that they came to be saved because of the love and servanthood you showed them…that is success. Jesus came to the earth to be the ultimate servant. He is our greatest example of how to love and serve others. Like Jesus, we need to humble ourselves and realize that God’s ways are better.
Why is serving others sometimes difficult?
Would people say you have a servant’s heart? If not, what is keeping you from being a true servant?
After you take time to truly reflect on these questions, talk with God. Be honest with Him and tell Him your struggles. But also take the time to listen. Below are some prompts to help you get your prayer started.
Ask God to help you see where you may struggle with serving others.
Ask God to give you opportunities to serve others and show them God’s love.
I pray God gives you opportunities to show His love to others this week and that you find joy and peace in serving others.
Lord, I pray that You help me have an open heart and an open mind. This topic is hard. I know that You call us to serve those in our lives. Help me to trust in You. Help me to see how I need to put the needs of others before my own. Amen.
Matthew 20:20-28 (NLT)
20 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” he asked.
She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?”
“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”
23 Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”
24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Today’s culture certainly provides its own definition of success – wealth, power, admiration, and respect. But in today’s passage, scripture points out that a truly successful person goes through life with a servant’s heart. They appreciate others, they do not think of themselves as better or more deserving, and they meet other people’s needs. Jesus even points out that this is what He was called to do: “not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (verse 28).
Interestingly, not only are we being obedient to Christ when we serve others, but many of our own needs and desires in life are met when we live this way. We find joy, love, and purpose by caring for and serving others. Do you find yourself being filled when you serve others?
Being able to have someone say that they came to be saved because of the love and servanthood you showed them…that is success. Jesus came to the earth to be the ultimate servant. He is our greatest example of how to love and serve others. Like Jesus, we need to humble ourselves and realize that God’s ways are better.
Why is serving others sometimes difficult?
Would people say you have a servant’s heart? If not, what is keeping you from being a true servant?
After you take time to truly reflect on these questions, talk with God. Be honest with Him and tell Him your struggles. But also take the time to listen. Below are some prompts to help you get your prayer started.
Ask God to help you see where you may struggle with serving others.
Ask God to give you opportunities to serve others and show them God’s love.
I pray God gives you opportunities to show His love to others this week and that you find joy and peace in serving others.
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