For the last three days and nights, I have either been in interviews for the Board of Ministry of the Central Texas Conference, or preparing for them. There was a lot of information to digest, never-ending papers to read, sermons to review, and questions to ask. And while most of the time, the candidates for ministry did very well, some did not. It was very time consuming.
This is why, for the last few days, I have recycled older devotionals. That’s okay because if they were brilliant once, they still are. So, forgive one more day of a recycled devotional. My schedule will return to normal today.
Rerun of Daily Devotional March 4, 2019
Yesterday as worship began, I walked to the pulpit and the congregation broke out in spontaneous applause – which made all the sense in the world because it was me. Then I realized they were clapping because Carl and Van had just played a magnificent prelude.
Yesterday as I was serving Holy Communion, I noticed Brooke taking my picture – which made all the sense in the world because it was me. Then I realized she was actually taking a picture of her son, Owen, as he assisted me in serving Holy Communion.
I am beginning to get the sneaking suspicion that life may not be about me.
This runs contrary to our culture’s stance on my guaranteed rights and privileges, where I am continually told it’s about me.
The beer commercial, truck commercial, and travel agent’s commercial, make sure I understand life really is about me. It seems to be the mantra of our society, and yet there are all these subtle reminders that call me to live a life that is about more than me.
Could there be more to my life than the world catering to my wants, desires, and perceived needs?
For those who follow Jesus Christ, life is not about us because our lives are already taken care of. We are going to heaven. We are here not to be served but to serve. And in a world filled with hurt and desperate need, God expects us to be his hands and feet to address the needs of others.
When Jesus washes the disciple’s feet, Peter is terribly offended because he believes this sort of thing is beneath Jesus’ dignity. The Bible says: “After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:12-15)
Jesus’ life was one of service. He expects the same of those who follow him.
Today, be intentional about looking past yourself to the needs of others. That’s why we are here.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I confess that too often my view of life is wrapped up in me instead of your will for me to help others. Please forgive my arrogance and make me the person you created me to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
By virtue of being a Christian, your life is no longer your own. It belongs to God and is to be used for his purpose. Life is about God. It doesn’t get any better than that.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 