(James 1:25)
As Christians, our ultimate goal is to be more like Jesus, living our lives to fulfill God's plan and purpose. The general plan for each of us is to serve and glorify Him with our lives. Of course, that is accomplished in a very specific way, depending on how God chooses to use us. The one clear example we can take from the brief accounts of Jesus' earthly ministry found in the Gospels is the way He served others. He said of Himself, that He didn't come to be served, but to be a servant. The quickest way to be like Jesus, the one sure way to know you are in the center of God's perfect will is by serving others.
Finding ways to serve others should be a daily goal we each have. That service can be in many forms. Often it is just a kind word or being there to help someone who is hurting and in need. Just as we make our time with the Lord a priority each day, the time in prayer, and reading the Word of God, we also must make serving others part of our day-to-day life. I can tell you that for those caught up in the trials of life, for those who are fighting depression, financial problems, and health issues, for those battling with challenges in your marriage, with your kids, at school, on the job, and serving others, doing what Jesus did is one part of your plan to overcome those obstacles you are facing. Taking the focus off of yourself and putting it on someone else is one of the quickest ways to find joy and peace, even in the midst of the storm.
I love you and care about you so very much. Let me challenge you today to prayerfully work each day on seeing a blessing to those who God brings across your path each day. You may be the instrument He wants to use to open someone's heart at a difficult time in their life. You do not know how many people don't go to church, have no Christian influence, yet are hurting and reaching out. That is why drugs, alcohol, gambling, and illicit sex are so prevalent. In many cases it is an escape from life's problems by people who just don't know how else to cope. Of course, it only makes their current problems worse, but unless someone tells them there is a better way, how will they know? God can use you each day to that someone. You don't need a PhD in Theology, just a love for people, a desire to be used by God, and a willing vessel that He can use.
