PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF ANOTHER
Denise Linton
Today's Scripture: “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26, ESV
Theme: Small changes help you get to where God is calling you. Put actions to your decision and commitments to God and walk in the power of the Spirit.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A SERVANT
The Bible has a great deal to say about servanthood because the central theme of the Bible is the Servant of all, the Lord Jesus Christ. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV). Jesus is teaching us that to follow Him, we must be like Him and be a servant. Taking up your cross means putting others first. Choosing to say “no” to myself and bearing my cross is an act of love. When I choose to do so, I become more like Christ. It means reaching out to people who are unlovable and who may never return the love, because that’s what Jesus did. Jesus said “no” to Himself and “yes” to us. Because He loved us so much, He could do nothing less than die on the cross.
CHANGES
Several years ago, one of my team members suggested in our meeting that all of us come together and serve dinner at the homeless shelter one night a month. Most of us were on board, but there was one member of the team who wanted no part of it. Yet he grudgingly agreed to join us. The first night, you could see from his body language that he did not want to be there, although he still served dinner and gave half-hearted smiles. The second time we served, he engaged in a conversation with a young boy, and I started to see a small, genuine smile. As time went on, I saw a change in his demeanor. He learned the regulars’ names; he began to look forward to the nights we served; he even encouraged a couple of his friends to join us in serving. Though it began as something he really did not want to do, it turned into something that brought him joy. When our team was dispersed and we were all laid off, he found his calling in working with the homeless population.
ARE YOU A RIVER OR A SWAMP?
Becoming a servant, caring for others, and picking up your cross daily is not an easy task. It takes putting one foot in front of the other, making the small steps that will lead to where God is calling you. Many times, our life becomes like a swamp, stagnated and life-devouring. A swamp collects and retains the water that comes its way. God wants our lives to be like the mountain stream which carries fresh, life-giving water because it continually flows through to others. Even with good intentions, we can block the flow of the stream by not following through with actions and commitments, whether through fear or even by thinking that we are too busy.
Make it Personal: Identify the boards or dams that are keeping you stagnated and slowly start removing them, piece by piece. Say “yes” to the Life Group you have been putting off. Say “yes” to joining that serving team. Set a goal of attending or serving for three months, even if you are only grudgingly agreeing. God will get you to where He is calling you, but you must get up and put one foot in front of the other.
Pray: Father, I want to be a servant. I want to follow Jesus and His example. Please help me to take the first steps and to continue to put one foot in front of the other. Help me tear down the boards and dams that are keeping me stagnated. Show me those obstacles and give me the strength to tackle them. Thank You for Jesus, the ultimate Servant, Who picked up His cross and died for my sins, so that I may have eternity with You. In His Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Mark 10:45; John 7:38; 1 Peter 4:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” Proverbs 14:31, ESV