In Matthew 20:28 Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” Jesus set the standard and then modeled it perfectly. As Christ followers, we should aim for the standard Jesus set and emulate the behavior He modeled. When our King, Lord, and Savior came down to earth, He didn’t demand to be served—He modeled what God-honoring service looks like: it’s a selfless serving, one that doesn’t look for something in return. Unfortunately in our culture today, a culture so focused on self, this tends to be the expectation when we serve others. We want to cash in on the favor and seek something that the other person can do for us. It’s worse when it’s at home as well. Do you ever help out around the house, pitch in and serve, but then expect something in return from your spouse? Do you expect praise and recognition for your act of service?
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
The freedom that we have in Christ is not to satisfy our sinful nature but to serve one another in love. We should serve the way our Master taught us: selflessly. This week, serve someone without seeking anything in return—not attention, not recognition, not appreciation, and not a favor done later. Serve someone the way Jesus served.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.