Day 4 – Serve Others

The fourth daily habit is to serve others. This may be the most difficult activity. After all, the Greek word most often translated to mean ‘servant’ is also translated to mean ‘minister.’ Therefore, we need to rewire our brains so we can remember that leading others is really the same as serving others.

Concentrate on Serving Others

As we go through our day, it is easy to focus on our own tasks and to-dos. But often, we only see what’s right in front of us. For a change of pace, concentrate on serving others today. To begin serving others, let’s ask God to show us what he wants us to do.

As we do our jobs or take our classes, we want to meet or exceed the expectations of others. Our idea of success should be based on how well we serve others.

Jesus defines success in this way. He asks us to sacrifice our lives to him (Romans 12:1–2) and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23–24). He tells us that if we want to be first, we must be a slave of all (Mark 10:44). How can we change our perspective and become a slave to all by better-serving others? How can we put ourselves in a position to be a representative of Jesus in our workplaces?

In Matthew 14, the disciples ask Jesus what they should do about the 5,000 hungry people that they are unable to feed. Jesus tells them to give them something to eat (Matthew 14:16b). They must have thought he was crazy! They probably couldn’t imagine how they would feed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish.

Jesus gives them a challenge that also applies to us in our workplaces: We can serve others by serving food or laying down our rights so that others can succeed. Even when we think we have nothing, we can give others something if we get that “something” from Jesus!

Ideas for Action

Think about who you miss right now. Reach out to them and tell them, but also think of new people, too. Send a few more emails or text messages throughout the day. Tell those you haven’t seen recently that you are thinking of them, you’re praying for them, and you miss them. Ask a couple of questions about their life to show you are interested in learning more.

For these people who God brings to your mind, figure out a way to get to know them better. You never know: They could end up being your friends forever. God loves them. So, rather than judge people, ask God to guide you as you learn more and look for ways to serve and enjoy others.

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