Saturday, November 14, 2009

Learning to Demonstrate the Servant’s Attitude

The greatest among you will be your servant, -Matthew 23:11

Being a servant to those we come in contact with can be simply offering a kind word to the person who waits on us at the bank or grocery store. Offer this person a warm smile and tell her that she is doing a great job. Take note of the nametag she is wearing and speak to her by name. She may be having a hectic day, having problems with her boss, or she might even be going through a painful divorce. If she is like most people she is probably experiencing something in her life that is causing her pain. What a difference a patient and kind person can make in her daily routine. Before you walk away, give her the hope that she will have a wonderful day. In a world full of rude, hateful, and mean-spirited people, you will shine like a light in the darkness. You could be the one person who makes a positive difference in her day and possibly restores her faith in the belief that not all people are insensitive and intolerable. You will leave this encounter with the knowledge that you have improved someone’s day, and you will receive a double blessing for doing so.

In all these things, those whom we serve will see the love of Jesus Christ flowing from us, and all those involved will be blessed in some way. How energizing to make a conscious decision to be different from everyone else, to be concerned rather than indifferent, to be pleasant instead of hateful, and to be gentle as opposed to cruel.

Who in your life can you practice being a servant to today? Consider how blessed this person will be through your kindness. The servant of Christ might take an elderly person to the grocery store or pick up her medication for her from the pharmacy.

The possibilities for serving others are endless. A key to overcoming sadness and gloom is to do something nice for someone else. Why not start today? Serving others in Jesus’ name is the equivalent of serving Christ Himself. The guests are waiting to be served. Happiness is waiting.

Joy is found in serving Christ.

(From, "The Invitation: Embracing a Happier Life," by Dan Birchfield, copyright 2009)

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