Walk in the Way
“…Serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:13,14).
One of my goals is to practice the art of loving service. This will not come naturally, I know. To be very honest, often, instead of thinking of another person’s need, I’m asking “What about me?” So, it will mean crossing out the big “I.” The Bible calls it dying to self.
It will also mean practice, practice, practice. Loving is an art that requires effort and concentration. Rubenstein, the great musician, once said, “If I omit practice one day, I notice it; if two days, my friends notice it; if three days, the public notices it.” It is the old doctrine, “practice makes perfect.” We must continue believing, continue praying, continue doing His will. Suppose along any line of art, one should cease practicing, we know what the result would be. If we would only use the same quality of common sense in our religion that we use in our everyday life, we should go on to perfection. (1)
When I think of loving service, two of my friends– I shall call them Paul and Susan–come to mind. They’re a retired missionary couple but service has remained their chosen life style. She sorts clothes for the Salvation Army’s Thrift store and helps out at the local food bank. He teaches wood working skills to seniors in a care home and does carpentry work at the Christian school. They’re also active in their local church and much involved with their large family.
Paul and Susan are so alive, so joyful. It reminds me of the words of Jesus, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” ” Giving is more joyous than receiving not because it is a deprivation, but because in the act of giving lies the expression of my aliveness,” writes Erich Fromm. (2)
Prayer: Dear God, I want to serve You and others with diligence as Jesus did who stooped to wash His disciples’ feet and did so with great cheerfulness.
(1)The Art Of Loving, page 19 (2) Streams in the Desert, page 30
About the Author: This devotional was written by Helen Lescheid. Read more about her: http://tmdevotionals.com/women/authors/helen-lescheid/
Living a humble life cheerfully bestowing love and support upon other must be a real joy. In this competitive world in which we live, taking care NO.1 and being all you can be conflicts with the lord’s example to serve and love each other. Changing from a self-focus to others focus will require diligent practice. I’ve been blessed to be able share a little of my time and resources with others. But the essence of todays’ devoution is to put others 1st, not give or do something from our excess. I will start trying to develop the ability to care for others at all times, in the church, my family and the work place.