Service

Scripture: "But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. (I Samuel 12:24)

Before I could become a leader at my church, I was told that first I had to serve. This was a daunting task given my introverted personality. But I felt strongly that I was called into leadership, so by the grace of God, I worked through my shyness and became one. It was truly a work of obedience, and it didn't come easy. But God saw me through.

But beyond my initial discomfort, I came to realize how closely my church holds to the teachings in the bible. As a Christ follower, do we not try to emulate Christ as best we can?

Think about Jesus' meager beginnings. Was He born into royalty, a prince, perhaps? Was He born into wealth and renown as modern day Princes William or Harry in England?

No, rather, He was born to a brand new couple who were only just beginning their own lives when He entered theirs. According to scripture, Jesus was born to a carpenter, and as per tradition, he was taught by Joseph to be a carpenter.

Think about it. Do you think Joseph & Jesus were carpenters for themselves? No, it was a trade by which they supported their family. It doesn't explicitly say this in the bible, but what other reason was there for a man to learn a trade other than to be able to support himself and his family?

Service. Jesus came into the world a servant, first. I sure would like to see what His hands built while He was a carpenter! I'm sure He and Joseph were able to barter, sell and trade their handiwork in order to make a living.

Jesus didn't enter the ministry until He was 30 years old. Even then, He didn't own a palace or sit on a throne. All through His ministry, He traveled around, spread God's word, healed the sick, cast out demons, fed 5,000 and much, much more. Near the end of his life, he washed the feet of His disciples. "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (John 13:14-16)

Jesus was a servant before He took on the responsibilities He was meant for: Our Lord, Savior, King and Messiah. He was always those things from His birth - but He had to grow into those responsibilities because he came down to earth fully man and fully God.

Service. Hard to believe our Messiah served mankind for a time before setting to work to save mankind.

Prayer request: For all of us to serve the Lord with all our hearts, so that others will see Christ living within us.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see the needs around us and to take action in filling those needs.