“Because you didn’t serve the Lord your God with joy and a cheerful heart, even though you had an abundance of everything, you will serve your enemies the Lord will send against you, in famine, thirst, nakedness, and a lack of everything.”–Deuteronomy 28:47-48
Moses warned the Israelites against failing to serve God. We should take this warning to heart. Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40b). When serving God, we cannot help but serve others; and in serving others, we serve God.
Sports like tennis and volleyball require serving the ball. In an article, “Six Steps to a Better Serve,” the author wrote, “Serving is a skill that takes years of practice to master, and something that you can always improve upon. . . . Keep at it, take your time, and practice lots.” This applies to serving others as well.
We don’t have to look far to see people in need. We need to volunteer, giving our time and ourselves. Dr. James C. Denison wrote, “After Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, an act of the humblest service, He taught us to follow His example. (John 13:12-17) . . . When those called to Christian leadership stand one day before Jesus in judgment, He will not examine their credentials, achievements, and titles. But He will examine their towels.” At the end of a game, with perspiration dripping, every athlete needs a towel. Do we have towels ready for service as we go about washing the feet of others?
1. What changes do you need to make to be obedient to God and ready to serve Him?
2. Whom do you know who is in need of your service?
3. How will you find the time to serve others?
Extra Reading: 1 Chronicles 28:9-10; Matthew 20:27-28; Luke 22:25-27; 1 Peter 4:9-11
Lord, I love You and want to be obedient to You. Open my eyes to see opportunities to serve. Help me to follow Your example. Amen.