Serving With HeartSample

Dirty Laundry

Ready: 

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” —Galatians 5:13

Set: 

God gifted and instructed each of us to use our gifts to serve Him and others. You may not be the biggest, fastest or strongest, but you can still serve. 

At Ashland University, we won the NCAA Division II national championship in 2013. A couple years later, prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, I knew it would be my last. There was one senior and one junior who had been a part of the national championship team, and I revealed my retirement intentions to the senior, Taylor, before sharing with the rest of the team.

That year, our young team improved throughout the season, eventually finding itself in the regional title matchup, one win away from the Elite Eight. We played our hearts out, but it just was not meant to be. My 35-year coaching career ended, as did Taylor’s stellar playing career. 

Soon, however, Taylor demonstrated to me what it had all been about.

As I started walking back from the postgame news conference, I saw my team approaching at the end of a long corridor. Taylor was in the middle of the group. As they got closer, I could see her carrying both bags of dirty laundry, one over each shoulder.

Taylor had just finished the final game of her career, but instead of thinking of herself in that moment, she chose to serve her teammates.

Jesus said He did not come to earth to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). As we strive to follow in His steps, may we, like Taylor, make serving others a daily priority. —Sue Ramsey

Go:

1. What can be the best way to serve those around you?
2. Why do you think serving is such an upside-down concept to people?
3. How can you ask God to make serving a priority in your life?

Workout: 

• Mark 9:35
• 1 Corinthians 9:19
• 1 John 3:17

Overtime: 

Heavenly Father, thank You that You see me and know me by name. Thank You for the example of Christ and how He served while on earth. Let me keep Him forefront in my faith as I reach out to those who are hurting and in need of Your truth and grace. Amen.

This text appeared in FCA Magazine. To learn more about the magazine and to subscribe, click here.