August 13
Nehemiah 5:14-7:73; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10
What are some of the defining aspects of your identity? It might be a son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, or father, or maybe your job is a critical part of your identity, and hopefully being a Christian, but what about a servant? We are told that part of Jesus' identity while he ministered on earth was as a servant. Yet, for many of us, this wouldn't even make our top 100 list of who we are.
In today's reading, we see several ways that taking on the mentality of a servant should impact our lives.
First, look at Nehemiah. In his position as governor, he was allowed to confiscate food from his citizens to feed himself. Yet he didn't ever utilize this privilege because he wanted to serve. Even when he did receive food, we are told that he fed 150 people rather than hoarding what was rightfully his. This attitude of service placed him in contrast with previous leaders. His generosity ultimately allowed others to see the love and power of God pouring through him.
We also see a service mentality in 1 Corinthians 8. We are told that Christians have the right to eat food sacrificed to idols, but they should be willing to give up this right if it causes issues for others. My rights/freedoms should be usurped by a willingness to love. Since life is not about me and my desires, I should be willing to serve even, and especially, when it comes at a cost to myself.
So, when we think about who we are we should always remember that we are servants and therefore should live serving others, and not ourselves.
Father God, thank you for how You have transformed me and made me a servant. Help me to follow in the path of Jesus and make my life about You and others. Help me not to put my wants and desires first but to put You above everything. Amen.
Question of the day: What would it look like to give up your rights/freedom to serve?
What are some of the defining aspects of your identity? It might be a son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, or father, or maybe your job is a critical part of your identity, and hopefully being a Christian, but what about a servant? We are told that part of Jesus' identity while he ministered on earth was as a servant. Yet, for many of us, this wouldn't even make our top 100 list of who we are.
In today's reading, we see several ways that taking on the mentality of a servant should impact our lives.
First, look at Nehemiah. In his position as governor, he was allowed to confiscate food from his citizens to feed himself. Yet he didn't ever utilize this privilege because he wanted to serve. Even when he did receive food, we are told that he fed 150 people rather than hoarding what was rightfully his. This attitude of service placed him in contrast with previous leaders. His generosity ultimately allowed others to see the love and power of God pouring through him.
We also see a service mentality in 1 Corinthians 8. We are told that Christians have the right to eat food sacrificed to idols, but they should be willing to give up this right if it causes issues for others. My rights/freedoms should be usurped by a willingness to love. Since life is not about me and my desires, I should be willing to serve even, and especially, when it comes at a cost to myself.
So, when we think about who we are we should always remember that we are servants and therefore should live serving others, and not ourselves.
Father God, thank you for how You have transformed me and made me a servant. Help me to follow in the path of Jesus and make my life about You and others. Help me not to put my wants and desires first but to put You above everything. Amen.
Question of the day: What would it look like to give up your rights/freedom to serve?
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