Monday's Meditation: A Boss Your Heart Message

Thank you, Kirsten Walkup, for today's devo:

Service

by Kirsten Walkup

Much is made about what it takes to be a “successful” Christian. Books have been written and ministers have made careers giving instruction and insight on the subject. But having a successful walk with Christ, at least the way scripture defines it, really isn’t a complex issue that requires a ton of self-help books or in-depth seminars. It can be summarized in one word: service.

In 1878, when William Booth's Salvation Army was beginning to make its mark, men and women from all over the world began to enlist. One man, who had once dreamed of becoming a bishop, crossed the Atlantic from America to England to enlist. Samuel Brengle left a fine pastorate to join Booth's Army. At first General Booth accepted his services reluctantly and grudgingly.

Booth said to Brengle, "You've been your own boss too long." And in order to instill humility in Brengle, he set him to work cleaning the boots of other trainees. Discouraged, Brengle said to himself, "Have I followed my own fancy across the Atlantic in order to polish boots?" And then, as in a vision, he saw Jesus bending over the rough, calloused feet of a multitude of unnamed fishermen. "Lord," he whispered, "you washed their feet; I will shine their shoes."

Serving Jesus doesn’t always mean we do the things we want to do. Often it means that putting ourselves in positions we’d rather not be in, in order to be of best service to Him. When we’re willing to do whatever the Lord wants, regardless of whether our ego is glorified or not, that’s when we’re able to be the most effective for Him.

During the American Revolution a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier. Their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them. When asked why by the rider, he retorted with great dignity, "Sir, I am a corporal!" The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, "Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again." It was none other than George Washington.

Obviously, the corporal’s attitude was not the attitude of a servant, and it is not an attitude that leads to success. We are called to lead, but becoming a leader requires an attitude that is willing to serve.

Colossians 1:25-28-I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

Paul was undoubtedly the most significant leader of the first century church. But he led people by serving them. He gave his life for them. He endured hardship for them. He sacrificed for them. He committed his life to teaching the Word of God, telling people about Jesus, and showing them how to grow as Christians.

Paul understood a crucial principle: Success is not a life of privilege; it's a life of service.

Boss your heart!

J330

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