The VineSample

Serving One Another

The world in which the early church first grew could be brutal. Rome, which occupied most places where the gospel had spread, did not place a high value on all human life. Women, children, and people in lower classes could be treated like property. The aim of most people was to rise in social status, which means they would continually pursue their own interests at others’ expense.

That’s one reason why this competitive culture could not understand the early church. Jesus’ followers lived radically different, imitating Christ in His service to everyone. Jesus had performed the duties of a servant to demonstrate His love and commitment to His followers (John 13:1-17). Even more shocking, He set aside His glory and status to become a man of humble means and eventually die a most humiliating death (Philippians 2:5-8).

With Jesus' example, and because their status and acceptance before Christ could not change, the church was released from the constant cultural pressure to elevate themselves. Instead, they were free to serve others. The apostle Paul instructed them this way: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

How might “valuing others above yourself” change your life—how you spend your time, how you approach relationships, how you view yourself? If you are able to gather with other believers, what does serving one another look like in daily life? What small steps could you take to imitate Christ’s heart of service to someone? Consider using the prayer below to get started.

Prayer

“God, I confess that it’s too easy sometimes to act selfishly with my family and friends. I need Your help putting others before myself. Show me what that looks like today. Thank You that I don’t have to earn or strive for a status with You.”

Explore at your speed

It may be easy to serve people you love. But what about people who are difficult? Or people who hate you? Read Romans 12:9-21 and consider Paul’s encouragement to Christians in the city of Rome, who would soon come under intense persecution because of their faith.