7 Resolutions for Lifeনমুনা

RESOLUTION # 4: A heart committed to service

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

It is strange for us to think that the relationships we have are not meant to serve us, but exist for us to be their servants. Our selfish and proud heart treats relationships as strategies to achieve what we want. Perhaps you defend yourself: "Imagine! I don't do that!" Is that so?

Have you ever been upset when a friend went out  and didn't include you? Have you ever declined invitations because the program did not suit your interests? Have you ever declined invitations because the place was not good enough for you? Have you ever discarded a friend because you were upset about their unconscious action? Have you ever been angry because a friend hired another professional from the service business you provide, without giving you the preference? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you are just like me: a self-serving sinner who wants to be served all the time—a hedonist in relationships.

Romans 12:10 emphasizes that we should take pleasure in honoring each other. It is Paul teaching us that the purpose of Christian relationships is not selfish pleasure, but altruistic pleasure. It is to find pleasure in honoring, loving, and serving those around us—as the famous phrase say: "who does not serve to serve, does not serve to live."

When we complete the mission, we are honoring God; honoring God, we live lighter because we rest in the will of God.

May we overcome the temptation to find ourselves exclusive to each other. People are not here to please us; they are here for us to serve them. Let’s dedicate ourselves to the exercise of "outrocentrism" instead of egocentrism?

Prayer: "God, forgive my selfishness in wanting to take advantage of everything around me, including my friends. Your Word states that it is more blessed to give than to receive. May this be my focus forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”