Serving: An FCA Devotional For CompetitorsSample

Servanthood

Ready: 

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” —Philippians 2:3-4 

Set: 

No other action a person can take leaves as profound an impact on another as serving. It’s a basic, essential part of the daily Christian walk. Each day, we should be committed to serving others, simply putting their needs and wishes in front of our own. It reminds me of a lesson I’ve taught for years at the beginning of each new season as coach of my daughter’s volleyball team: Everything starts with a serve.

Jesus’ entire life was one of service to those around Him, the most notable example coming when He washed His disciples’ feet on the evening of His betrayal (John 13:1–17). It was the perfect picture of the humility with which He served the disciples. And it was followed by the greatest act of service in the history of mankind when He went to the cross, died, and was resurrected three days later. He sacrificed all of Himself to save us.

How great would it be if we adopted that mindset in our lives, starting every day with the thought of, “Who can I serve today?” It would be transformational in our families, workplaces, schools and communities if our thoughts, actions, attitudes and words were Spirit-led in such a way that we sought out—and acted upon—opportunities to be salt and light, serving others in all we do. —Shane Williamson

Go:

1. Who can you serve today? 
2. How do you see serving as an opportunity for life transformation? 
3. What steps will you take to make servanthood a part of your everyday life?

Workout: 

• Matthew 20:28
• John 13:13–15
• Philippians 2:5–7 

Overtime: 

My God, You have created the world according to Your desire, and fashioned us in Your image. You call us to care for one another, but I am selfish and sometimes like to only act for myself. Make me like Your Son who made it His life’s ambition to serve those around Him. Amen. 

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