Jesus is our Ultimate Example (Oct. 18)

Read: Philippians 2:3-8, John 3:16

Since Jesus is our ultimate example, we should serve selflessly like our Savior.

What should be our right thinking and right ‘heart attitude’ toward serving? As Christ followers, Jesus instructs us specifically in the area of serving others. John 3:16 is the starting point. Anne Graham Lotz called John 3:16 the “North Star of the Bible.” It points the way for direction in truth, life, and salvation. Others have said that John 3:16 is the theme verse of the entire Bible….it is the welcome mat of heaven.

Its message is clear: God gave – Jesus gave – we should give. Love is something we do. “God so loved the world that He gave”. Jesus came to serve and loved us all the way to the cross. Jesus, the Son of God, the Most High King, Lord of Lords, never placed Himself in a position above others. He gave. He led by serving and He loved by serving. Our example is set, secure, and unwavering.

How can we serve Christ and others? We’ve been transformed by the power of God - through Jesus Christ - in order to serve God’s eternal purposes and bring Him glory. We’ve been created and shaped for serving God and others.

Jesus, our example, gave us specific instructions to follow when it comes to being a servant. To follow Jesus is to live a life where we are always looking for ways to meet the needs of others through our talents, gifts, and abilities. It’s a lifestyle of putting others first. Philippians 2:3-8 shows the way for us. How do we serve? We serve by putting verses 3-5 into practice, making them part of our daily lives.

The reason we serve is answered in verses 5-8. Jesus did it. He showed us the way. He invites us to do the same. We have the incredible opportunity as Christians to follow Jesus’ lead to love and serve those around us. Don’t underestimate what God can do through you. We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

So what’s your next move? During one of my high school football games the coach called over to the reserves. He called for me to get up and get ready.  He wanted me to get off the sidelines and get on the playing field. Jesus wants us to join Him on His mission trip by getting in the game of life and serving others for Him. The opportunities are all around us to serve: at home, at church, in our city, and in the world. And there will be more when we move to our new church location. You’ll be needed.

Will it make a difference? Yes, you can really make a difference in the lives of others. Jesus intends to impact others through you. Every day we can make small differences and do acts of kindness in someone’s life. The Lord can turn small differences into large blessings. He wants to bless you and make you a blessing. What is small to you may be huge to someone else. You never know when a gesture of kindness will touch a heart. God picked you to make a difference.

Want to have more joy and happiness in your life? Both the server and the one being served benefit. “Doing good does good for the doer” (How Happiness Happens). Serving others gives us a sense of purpose and the sense of purpose is what creates a meaningful life. Give happiness away.  Do acts of kindness. I saw this saying on a sign the other day, a simple but clear message: “We rise by lifting others”.

Action Steps:

  1. Memorize John 3:16 and Philippians 2:3-8
  2. Make it a daily goal to do an act of kindness and make a difference in someone’s life.
  3. Don’t give up. Keep doing #2 until it becomes a habit.
  4. Pray. Ask God to help you see the opportunities to serve He brings your way.
  5. Challenge goal: read “How Happiness Happens” (Max Lucado).

Prayer: Father, help me to have eyes to see opportunities for serving. Remind me, when I think I’m not capable of serving, that You will do the work through me, to bring You all the glory.

Author: Cecil Wissink