Looking Past Me

The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people.

Mark 10:45 (CEV)

You need some “me” time. Do what you want. You deserve the award. Take a selfie. These and other well-meaning quips often lead us to focus too much on ourselves. Everything becomes about, “What’s in it for me?”

But when we look at Jesus’s teachings, he suggests a life completely opposite of our normal way of thinking. Have an enemy? Love him. Want to be the first? Be last. Want to be the best? Serve the most.

And Jesus served us in the most radical way: He died for us. When he gave up his life on the cross, he did it to serve us. He took the punishment that we deserve for making bad choices and not living in God’s ways. That punishment is being separated from God forever. But God didn’t want that. He loves us too much!

Jesus died so we can live. Because of his death, we can have a real relationship with him and live with him forever in heaven.

The king of the universe became a servant… for you.

When you think about serving God, think about the great sacrifice he made for you. It’s something to be thankful for! Let that gratitude inspire you to serve others the way Jesus did. Instead of thinking “What’s in it for me?”, you can start thinking, “What’s in it for Jesus?” And the actions that follow will surely bring him joy!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Look up a favorite Pastor or Christian leader online to read about real people who decided to serve God first by putting themselves second. (Can't think of any? Try starting with Billy Graham or Tim Keller). As you read about their ministry and all the work they have done, ask God how you can put him first in your life every day.

INSPIRATION

“Everybody can be great . . . because anybody can serve.”

--Dr. Martin Luther King, pastor and civil rights activist

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 53:10

Daniel 12:2

John 10:14-15

Philippians 2:6-8