Better Words, Better Actions: PraiseLive's 30 Day DevotionalSample

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the phenomena of the 'selfie' says it all! Going past fun moments captured in time, we live in a selfie culture. Every one of us struggles with putting ourselves first. Though the technology in Jesus' day didn't allow for it, they too struggled with selfie culture. In Mark 10, the disciples of Jesus are arguing over who will receive the highest honor in the Kingdom of heaven. They aren't thinking about Jesus; they're thinking of themselves. Jesus is so different. As Lord of all, taking off the 'royal' robes of heaven, He donned human skin instead. Jesus became one of us and went further. He put on the clothes of a servant! When He washed the disciple's feet, cleaning dust, dirt, sand, and dung away, He gave his disciples a picture of what was coming. Jesus made clear that what He did for their feet He was about to do for their souls. On the cross, Jesus served as the perfect sacrifice washing the dust, grit, sand, and dung of humanity's sin away. He is God incarnate, and God is love. This is what love looks like, and this is how love serves.

How might you serve today? A servant's life isn't glamorous; it's often difficult. It is about someone else and their pain, their needs. Your work will likely go unseen by the world around you, but Jesus sees.  

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'   

"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'
 

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" Matthew 25: 34-40

Today, take a 'picture' of the King of heaven attired in the humility of a servant and follow Him. Life won't be a selfie, but it will be full of God's love and the significance of His Kingdom!

Reflection:   

Ask Jesus who is on His mind today. Wait and listen. When you understand who it might be, ask how He wants to love and serve them through your actions. Write it down. Follow Him and do it.  

Prayer:  

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving Your life as a ransom for me. You saw my need as a sinner, met it fully, served me forgiveness, and washed away my sin’s debt. What a gift! Jesus, help me put You first. May my heart and actions look like Yours to the people around me who need a touch from You today. Amen.

Action Ideas: 

Call or send a card to an older person who is lonely amidst this pandemic. Offer to help a single friend with childcare or home repair. Reach out to someone that is marginalized. Spend time listening to their story. Walk with someone who is hurting. Pay a bill for someone who can't.