“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV).
Think about this past week and how you served the Lord. Did you help others in a self sacrificing way? Do you think about others’ needs first?
Are your interests surrounded around your needs so much that you have wrapped yourself up in a cocoon of self-pity?
Yes, we all have needs, but I have found that when I am praying for someone else’s problems or if I am actively helping someone, I have little time to be wrapped up in my own problems. I believe that Jesus wants us to reach out to others so that we won’t succumb to self pity.
Let’s face it, all of us have problems. In this world, we will, but it is how we view these problems that make a difference on our quality of life. We have power over our thoughts. We can decide what we think about. We can choose to wallow in self-pity, or look around us for someone who needs help and go to them. We are to serve others. We are to reach out to those who are hurting and give them hope. We are to feed the hungry, wipe the tears of those who mourn, pray with those who are hurting or are tempted, and go out of our way to show Christ’s love to those around us, even our enemies. This is how people will know that we are Christians, by the love and care we show as we serve the Lord in a self-sacrificing way. Don’t become so busy with your life, that you don’t have time to help those who are in need. We, as Christians, are to reach out to others. It is a command of Christ. “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Matthew 20:26 NIV).
Guess what? The world does not revolve around you. There are others surrounding you who need Christ’s loving arms and His caring voice. There are people who are needier than you and who hurt worse than you. There are always others who are worse off than you and you must realize this and reach out to them. It is time to get out of your comfort zone and help others. This week find someone who has a need and comfort them in some way. Reach out and you will not regret it. I am always happiest when I am helping someone.
Dear Lord,
Help me this week to not think about my own problems, but help me to reach out to someone who has a great need. Help me to serve others in a humble manner.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
