WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
I’ve been doing some self-examination lately. I’ve realized that I have a tendency to want to be helpful to others. That doesn’t seem like such a bad thing. But in the world’s eyes I have been categorized as a “people pleaser”. People that are determined to be a part of this group are often seen as overly self-sacrificing. To the point that they become doormats for other people to trample all over. I can see how that could very easily happen. After all, I have been a people pleaser. I had the best of intentions, but not the right focus.
In Matthew 20:26-28 Jesus says, “Not so with you. Instead whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”.
Lately I’ve noticed that that if I see a need that someone has, or even if there is a small thing that I can do to make life easier for someone, I jump at the chance. I’ve considered the possibility that to these people I might seem like a typical “people pleaser”. But that is not what is motivating me. The truth of the matter is that I know that there are so many people that I come in contact with that don’t know Jesus. And I know that I’m not all that bold when it comes to telling people about how Jesus loves them so much that He died on the cross for their sins. Instead, I think that God is using me in a different way. I hope that people will see that the things I do are done out of love. And that the love that drives me to serve can only come from one source: God Himself. Because God is love.
As 1 Corinthians 9:22b&23 say, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in it’s blessings.” I want to be used by God whenever and however He sees fit. I want to lay down all my selfish desires and instead be willing to see that other people’s needs are met. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. If He allowed Himself to be humbled like that to show His love, then I most certainly should be willing to follow His example!
Precious Lord, I want to be last so that You can be glorified! Give me a servant’s heart so that You can pour out Your love on those who have not trusted You as their Savior! AMEN!
POSTED BY KRISTIN AT 9:47 PM