Service.

"But Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must become your servant, and whoever wants to be the first among you must become your slave. 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." --Matthew 20:25-28

Christ, the ultimate example of everything good and holy, served everyone He came in contact with. People that the Jews were not to associate with...people who were outcast by society...people who would go through their lives miserable if they did not receive a miracle...people whose lives were corrupt. He chose twelve imperfect men to serve with Him as His disciples, but He served them much more than they realized...I think of the night when He washed their feet. Because Christ (who is perfect, blameless, sinless, and one with God) served, we (who are the complete opposite) should serve.

"Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically." --Romans 12:11

"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. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" --Galatians 5:13-14

I was very humbled by something that I observed yesterday. We went to a graduation party for a girl at our church yesterday and shortly after we got there, the senior pastor of our church arrived. We talked for a while and learned that he had already been there for a while, but had to leave for a bit...he came back at the end of the party to help tear down the tables and chairs to take some of the burden off of the family who was exhausted from throwing this party. Now, I know that just because he is the pastor of a church he is not set up on a higher plane, but it was very refreshing to see that he felt the same way. As long as we have known him, he has been this way and I thank God for his attitude.

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." --Colossians 3:24

Sometimes we are called to do things that we do not want to do. But if we approach the situation thinking that we are serving the Lord, I think that our perspective will change a bit...and rightly so. I know that I do not want to do a job halfway if I am trying to complete a project for the Lord. Just like we cannot and should not love halfheartedly...God deserves our whole hearts. And from that, we can pour out our love to the people He places in our lives.