Being a Doorway, Not a Doormat

Philippians 2:1-11 Service grows form the soil of humility. Too often, however, humility has been misunderstood to be a negative character trait even within the church. Humility is not thinking less of you; it is thinking more of God and of others. In other words, humility is not about putting us down but, rather, about glorifying God and affirming others.

Jesus Christ is the greatest example of humility. He left the place of honor in heaven in order to become God's servant on earth. In the process, however, he did not tear himself down or deny that he had any value. He did lift others up through his humility and showed them how valuable they were.

Jonathan's attitude toward David also provides a vivid example of humility. Jonathan countered David better than himself without thinking less of him in the process. So we see that humility is not about being a doormat; it is about being a doorway, through which others enter into the presence and the power of God. By focusing on building others up and helping them along the way, we show them the love of God, who desires the best for them.

Do What You Love to Show God's Love
1 Corinthians 12:7 Too often many of us have thought of spiritual gifts primarily as talents God has given us for our own benefit. When seen this way, they become "options" or "luxuries" that can be neglected or used according to out our own whims instead of expressed through the discipline of service. But the Bible teaches us that God gives us spiritual gifts so that we can give to others and continue Christ's work on earth.

Paul asserted that "a spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church" (1 Corinthians 12:7). The gifts God has entrusted to us belong to the community of believers.

You can begin to discover your gift by prayerfully considering this question: "When have I felt the greatest energy and satisfaction in serving the Lord?" Also, consider these words from Psalms: "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires" (Psalm 37:4).  The good desires we have can be clues to finding our spiritual gifts. Paul lists a variety of spiritual gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. God has woven a unique design into each of our hearts, and our gifts form a part of this fabric. As we do what we love, to show others God's love, we find spiritual fulfillment and renewal.

Putting It into Practice
Reflect on ways you can strive to put others' interest ahead of your own. In what ways can you show others how much you (and God) value them? How would Christ "make himself nothing" if he were in your place?

For more on service, read Mark 10.

Full of the spirit and wisdom

ACTS 6:1-6. Regarding acts of service, there are two kinds of people in the world: guest and hosts. The guests are those who expect to be taken care of, and the hosts are those who do the caring. The discipline of service builds on the premise that we, as Christ's followers, are God's host in this world.
The early church community was threatened by division because not everyone was being cared for adequately. The apostles' response was to call forth a group of hosts who could serve the practical needs of the community. These hosts, called deacons, did not simply perform menial chores.

They were "full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3). Whether administering a food program or proclaiming God's truth, the showed God's love in practical ways. Two of them, in fact, gave powerful testimonies to the living Lord Jesus Christ (see the story of Stephen in Acts 7 and Philip in Acts 8). No matter what our task, we should seek to be "full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom" as we go about our work. Then others will hear and see the love of Christ in practical ways.

Putting It into Practice
Do you see yourself as a guest or a host? How does seeing yourself as a host affect your view of service? Think of a situation in which you could make a significant impact by being a host. What actions can you take? Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and wisdom as you enter this situation.

For more on service, read Romans 12.