THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I'VE EVER DONE
Ever notice how our priorities and God’s don’t always match? Isaiah 55:8 reads, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.” That’s for sure.
During this season, as Linda struggles with her health, serving her is my primary focus. As much as I love my wife, at times I grow weary. Bone weary. A few nights ago, as I was pouring out my heart to God, he gave me a strong mental impression. I didn’t hear an audible voice, but he spoke just as clearly to my heart, as if a heavenly megaphone had belted out his words. “Serving Linda is the most important thing you’ve ever done.” Well, that gave me pause. But he continued, “More important than when you helped baptized 400 people in Ethiopia. More important than preaching in dozens and dozens of villages in India. More important than all the work you did with Crossing the Jordan.”
That thought never would have crossed my mind, and that’s why I’m confident it didn’t originate with me. Of course serving Linda is important. But more important than baptizing 400 people? But even as I questioned it, deep in my heart I understood its truthfulness. Because I’m never more like Jesus than when I serve others.
In Philippians 2:5 Paul instructs us to “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (NASB). Then he describes how Jesus didn’t cling to his deity, but humbled himself in the greatest way possible: he became human, and died the most humiliating of deaths—on a cross. Serving us, by meeting our greatest need (salvation) is why Jesus came to earth and died. I’m never more like Jesus than when I serve others.
Paul specifically instructs husbands to “love your wives just like Christ loved the church and gave himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Notice he doesn’t say Jesus gave his life for us (which he did), but he gave himself for us. Most men would die for their wives in a heartbeat. But living for them? Well, that’s a little tougher.
That’s what God was hoping I would understand. It’s a tough season for us, as Linda struggles, and I’m bone weary much of the time. But I need to remember his word to me. I’m never more like Jesus than when I serve others. That’s why this is the most important thing. I’ve ever done.
UPDATE ON LINDA: After a couple of really rough weeks, Linda had a surgery on Wednesday. She’s more perky, and alert than before, but still very weak. She has a difficult time moving around, and sleeps a lot. Please keep praying.
Principle: Serving others is the most important thing we’ll ever do.
Ponder:
In what areas, or with what person, do I find it most difficult to serve?
Under what circumstances is it easiest to serve others?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Philippians 2:5-11.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for modeling perfect unselfish service for me. Help me to serve others as you have served me.