Looking Out

SATURDAY 3.08.08 – PHILLIPIANS 2:5–8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!

First of all, I just want to be honest in saying that the closeness and joy that we had just built feels gone all of a sudden. Well, not completely. I still feel hopeful and joyful but it is not the same attitude, it doesn't rule my day. For some reason I feel burdened with responsibility, like I have a weight of things to do on my shoulders.

I think when we spend a week talking about being a servant, I at first get very excited. Then I think, "Okay, where can I serve, who can I serve?" At that point I'm very ready to do something. But You don't seem to open any doors, I don't end up doing anything, and then I get frustrated and further disinterested.

Makes me think about teaching on servanthood. We've got to be real careful that we don't lead others into this same place of frustration. When we teach on servanthood, we really should have a place for everyone to serve available, an idea or a plan to propose. Otherwise we're just going to excite people to nothing.

It's interesting today that obedience and servanthood go together. Christ was obedient and became a servant. You looked out for every one else's interests above Your own. Maybe this is my continual cyclical problem. Things are tough because I'm judging them by my problems, my struggles, instead of focusing on every one else. Let me be more humble, let me look out for others.

Maybe that is a simple place to end the week. But it is good. And in a time of struggle, I must thank You for the good. Help me to look out for others interests today and be ready to act. Amen