Christ Came to Serve

“‘… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’" –Matthew 20:28

God’s ways are not our ways, but His ways always bring about lasting and eternal achievement. One example of this is found in Acts 20:35:

“‘“It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”” -Acts 20:35b

We live in a world that tells us the opposite is true—that it’s better to receive than give. People believe the good life is for people who have the most toys, options, and money to buy what they want.

But the Scripture tells us, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).” Wow!

I must admit that I often look forward to receiving more than giving. This is a part of the ongoing battle of my heart.

If this is part of your battle too, don’t beat yourself up. Jesus is patient with each of us and gives us a lifetime to grow in the Christian life. So how can we develop a better focus on giving and serving?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Do something that honors God that no one else knows about.
• Be proactive in performing acts of kindness that are undeserved. In other words, do things for people who can’t pay you back or may not even know your name.
• Cry out to our Father to make you a good giver.
• Start giving in your private world—to friends, families, employees, and the underprivileged.

As you take these steps, remember it’s about showing God’s grace to others regardless of what they deserve. It truly is more blessed to give than receive.

And none of us will ever out give the Lord God Himself.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” –Romans 5:8

As the Scripture asks “What do you have that you did not receive (1 Corinthians 4:7)” from the living God?

Let’s apply this week’s lesson by trying to out serve one another.

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