During Sunday school, we talked about “serving.” When we visualize that concept, we see Jesus turning water into wine, healing the sick, encouraging the meek and poor in spirit on the Sermon on the Mount, washing the disciples’ feet, and ultimately giving His life for ours. But as we chopped potatoes and whisked eggs, Hubby helped the little people grasp servanthood as more than a spiritual ideal. It’s what we do day-to-day; it’s our attitude regarding our work and our calling; it’s a reflection of our relationship with God and a result of our relationships with others. In serving we should…
“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
Relationships was on the menu in church as well.
First Corinthians 10:32, 33 says,
Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Sometimes, that passage feels like another lofty ideal. But it’s imperative we live it out in real, practical ways in our service to God and man. That scripture doesn’t mean I should lie about my beliefs and experiences to appease others or ignore my core values to seem chill to my little people. It means I need to live true to my faith—choosing love, not legalism, and “putting relationships over rules,” as Pastor Livingston taught. And I need to do that as a parent, a friend, a child, a believer, and a servant.
Yes, we’re breaking all kinds of rules over here, including the ones regarding meal times. Today we had brunch, which basically means we didn’t get breakfast prepared until nearly noon and we were enjoying the sofa too much later to make lunch. Dinner over here was different, too. Hubby had made roast, but we didn’t want the typical Sunday dinner. Instead of having it with veggies and a starch, he served it on a toasted bun with coleslaw and crispy onions. Yummy.
This week, operate outside the box your Christian faith may have stuffed you into—and not just how you eat, but how you serve. Your mission trip just might be venturing into the wilderness of your little peep’s room and blessing him in some way. It might be calling someone you vowed you never wanted to speak to again and saying, “I forgive you” or just “hello.” Perhaps it will be fasting, praying, or believing the impossible. Just remember the only rules Jesus gave you:
…“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
Don’t count the calories or the cost. Serve until you are full.
Blessings on your meal!
