How does this affect ME? What’s in it for ME? What are MY plans? I’M busy! How will this bring ME pleasure? I deserve this! It’s all about ME…ME…ME! This is the battle cry of not only our culture, but of every human heart. At the core of who we are, humans are selfish people. In some ways it’s necessary for us to think about ourselves throughout any given day. We have a built-in desire to protect ourselves from harm. We do need to, at some level, ask the questions listed above. The problem isn’t that I care or think about myself. It's a problem when that’s ALL I care or think about.
As Christians we have been called to serve and live for something greater than ourselves. The apostle Paul captures this idea in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Our lives are no longer our own, nor the focal point of life. We have been purchased by the precious blood of the Lamb. If we have truly died to self, been given a new nature, and have a clear biblical mandate, let us walk worthy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who did not come to be served, but to serve.
What does this new life of putting others first look like? Well, it starts by beginning our day seeking God’s desires and plans, asking Him who we can be a blessing to, what attitudes of our hearts need to be recalibrated, reminding ourselves that there are people who are lost, broken and hurting and laying our own desires at the foot of the cross. With Jesus as our example, we too should be intentional, compassionate and willing to take time to invest in others regardless of the cost. Jesus willingly laid down His life for you and me. He truly lived a life of service to others and empowers us to do the same. Serving for something greater isn’t just checking the box of “good works”, rather it is a lifestyle and mentality that only God can produce in a life. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on high, remember why we are here, and consider what truly matters in this life.
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