1st  SEPTEMBER 2023

^“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” – Philippians 2:3-5

As far as Jesus is concerned, every man must be willing to die for the sake of helping others, just the way He died for us all. (John 15:13) Modern technology has sufficiently demonstrated Jesus’s teachings of sacrifice for the sake of others; You can find the footprints of sacrifice in medicines, communication, and telecommunication wherein men and women of altruistic motives have risked their lives throughout history to create groundbreaking inventions for the eradication of diseases, ignorance, and poverty.

The template of selfless service with love was given by God Himself. The scripture tells us that, while we were condemned and dead to sin, God gave us a new life while we were still sinners by giving us Jesus Christ to save us from the punishment we deserved. Jesus willingly assumed this obligation without any condition. Therefore, we must follow Jesus’s example, as we learn to love others selflessly.

In all of our interactions with others, we must put the needs of others before our own needs, even if we have nothing to gain. The word of God is telling us today to embrace selfless service, as a true form of service to be relevant in life. Although it is necessary to get paid for the job we do for others, as a way of earning our income, I must say that, once in a while, it’s good to give FREE services, especially if the other party has no means of paying us back. Why? some would ask. The answer is that every good thing you do is a “road opener” for you to receive from God when you need God most in your life!

While not saying, go and die for others like Jesus did, there are many things we can do to alleviate pain and suffering in our world today. The best way to go about it is to ask yourself; “how would I like others to treat me when I am in difficulty”? Certainly, you would desire pity and some other form of assistance, right? Then, go and do the same to others! In doing that, expect nothing in return! Beloved, don’t always ask, “Is there something in it for me”? If we did that, then we have not truly served, as our actions are not altruistic after all!  

As children of God, we ought to extend love in service, and to serve with hearts opened to human feelings and Godliness.  Only then, can we reap the benefits of true service. One benefit of true service is that we are more aligned with God, and His glory is caused to manifest through us.  We are gradually transformed into God’s hands for doing good works. We become relevant to God when we allow His glory to radiate through us in service to others! Therefore, let us avoid the following:

–         Service with insincerity of purpose or Service with ease — when it is most convenient for us.

–          Service without respect for God – many call the name of God in vain, disrespect Him by stealing from others or even abusing the vulnerable ones in society.  

–         Service done with “eye service” or to please men -hypocritical service will only receive the applause of men but no reward from God;

–          Service done by compulsion, not willingly or cheerfully – God always demands the willingness of the heart when it comes to doing something for Him. This is the only way that He can accept; NOT service done for selfish reasons.

In today’s word, we learn that only true service will make us relevant in life, as well as bring to us lasting riches!

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I declare I am imbued with power and Grace to render extraordinary service to humanity, all to the glory of God. AMEN. 

FURTHER READING:  Ruth 4:1-12; 2 Sam. 24:24

WHAT MAKES YOU RELEVANT IN LIFE (PART 2 OF 2)

1st  SEPTEMBER 2023

^“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” – Philippians 2:3-5

As far as Jesus is concerned, every man must be willing to die for the sake of helping others, just the way He died for us all. (John 15:13) Modern technology has sufficiently demonstrated Jesus’s teachings of sacrifice for the sake of others; You can find the footprints of sacrifice in medicines, communication, and telecommunication wherein men and women of altruistic motives have risked their lives throughout history to create groundbreaking inventions for the eradication of diseases, ignorance, and poverty.

The template of selfless service with love was given by God Himself. The scripture tells us that, while we were condemned and dead to sin, God gave us a new life while we were still sinners by giving us Jesus Christ to save us from the punishment we deserved. Jesus willingly assumed this obligation without any condition. Therefore, we must follow Jesus’s example, as we learn to love others selflessly.

In all of our interactions with others, we must put the needs of others before our own needs, even if we have nothing to gain. The word of God is telling us today to embrace selfless service, as a true form of service to be relevant in life. Although it is necessary to get paid for the job we do for others, as a way of earning our income, I must say that, once in a while, it’s good to give FREE services, especially if the other party has no means of paying us back. Why? some would ask. The answer is that every good thing you do is a “road opener” for you to receive from God when you need God most in your life!

While not saying, go and die for others like Jesus did, there are many things we can do to alleviate pain and suffering in our world today. The best way to go about it is to ask yourself; “how would I like others to treat me when I am in difficulty”? Certainly, you would desire pity and some other form of assistance, right? Then, go and do the same to others! In doing that, expect nothing in return! Beloved, don’t always ask, “Is there something in it for me”? If we did that, then we have not truly served, as our actions are not altruistic after all!  

As children of God, we ought to extend love in service, and to serve with hearts opened to human feelings and Godliness.  Only then, can we reap the benefits of true service. One benefit of true service is that we are more aligned with God, and His glory is caused to manifest through us.  We are gradually transformed into God’s hands for doing good works. We become relevant to God when we allow His glory to radiate through us in service to others! Therefore, let us avoid the following:

–         Service with insincerity of purpose or Service with ease — when it is most convenient for us.

–          Service without respect for God – many call the name of God in vain, disrespect Him by stealing from others or even abusing the vulnerable ones in society.  

–         Service done with “eye service” or to please men -hypocritical service will only receive the applause of men but no reward from God;

–          Service done by compulsion, not willingly or cheerfully – God always demands the willingness of the heart when it comes to doing something for Him. This is the only way that He can accept; NOT service done for selfish reasons.

In today’s word, we learn that only true service will make us relevant in life, as well as bring to us lasting riches!

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I declare I am imbued with power and Grace to render extraordinary service to humanity, all to the glory of God. AMEN. 

FURTHER READING:  Ruth 4:1-12; 2 Sam. 24:24