SERVING!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURES: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." 2 Tomothy 2:3

"For Jesus said, 'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.'"  Mark 10:45

TODAY'S MESSAGE:  Jesus taught that serving was a central part of being a Christian, and that it should be done out of love and humility. So many times, when we serve, we do so because we are forced to.  We feel an obligation to help others because, in many cases, we are looking for something in return.  That is not true Christian serving.  That is not why Jesus came to serve.  He was not looking for anything in return, in fact, he was looking human death in the face. Serving with love and humility is sometime hard to do.  It is easier for some than others, but we must learn how and why we must serve. We are to love others just as Jesus loved us.  His love ran so deep that he was willing to go through pain, suffering and death for us.  His love ran so deep that he was willing to carry every burden that you and I have on his shoulders.  Is our love that strong?  I would guess not, but with that kind of love we are willing to serve without prejudice or greed.  Our attitude becomes one of humility where we are not serving so that those around us can see what we have done or what we are doing. We are to put others before ourselves.  We are to think of the needs of others rather than our needs. God has given each of us gifts in our lives. We are to use our gifts in the spirit of giving and not receiving. Serving others is vital to our beliefs and our actions as Christians.  If we are not serving with the same attitude as the Lord, then it is time to get on our knees and ask for his help.  He never fails us.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!