Devotionals

Selfless Service

by Jennifer Woodley 
12/02/20
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‘James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”’ Mark 10:35 (NRSV)

Kingdom living is about service, not about being served. James and John’s statement appears bold and presumptuous. How could they ask so selfishly? But consider for a moment if we are no different. Our prayers and requests often take on the same tone, though we may not be so blatantly forward with our words.

Often there’s an underlying expectation that God will give us what desire, because surely we know what is best. “Lord please provide me with this job, this house, this car.” But God may have far better and very different plans.

We ask God to give us our immediate, impulsive desires, but Jesus says our focus is not to be on self, but selfless service. We are to be about meeting the needs of others and then these other concerns will be cared for by Him. We are to be so prayerful and careful to look after one another, that our own wants and concerns will become less consuming. God is devoted to caring for us, and if we are confident in knowing this, we can devote ourselves to genuinely caring for others.

Where is our heart positioned right now? Are we so confident in God’s all day, every day provision that our prayers are mostly focussed on others and service to them? Or are we unsure of our Lord’s love and care so that we remain anxious and self-focussed?

Jesus invites us to trust Him and discover the deep joy of going beyond ourselves by serving others.