Serving God and Others: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Less selfish, more giving

I know why I’m not very interested in you or your needs--it’s because my stories are so much more interesting to me, my plans are more important, and my needs are much more urgent. Hey--just lookin’ out for number one (me, that is). If I don’t take care of myself, who will, right?

If you hear yourself saying or thinking any of the above with me, we both need a trip to the woodshed with the apostle James: “If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:14-16).

Lord, turn me inside out. You, my hero, came not to be served but to serve and to give your life as a ransom for many. You have redeemed me not to be a pampered starlet but a helper of others. You have gifted me and lifted me so that I may do the same for other people. Help me learn true love, to be willing to spend myself to make other people’s lives better. Help me believe that I gain by giving, win by yielding, and become satisfied by serving.

Jesus, make me more like you. Please start today.