Day 31 – Serve

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

During my most challenging times, many individuals have been very quick to say, “You need self-care, self-love, and to take a step back from Pathfinders.” Isn’t it interesting that our American culture is obsessed with this concept of self? IPads, iPhones, smart watches, smart homes and, well you get the picture, all keep us connected and focused on ourselves. But it has never been more apparent than now that selflessness in our service is what allows God’s love, forgiveness, healing, and all the beautiful qualities of God’s character to flow through us.

When I serve my 28 Teen Leaders in Training (TLTs), I choose to focus on their individual needs instead of myself. At times, like when a teen is experiencing the same heartbreak I have endured, God calls upon me to comfort and guide them through their emotions and experiences. I know that at these very moments the Holy Spirit is using me to comfort my TLT in the same manner I was comforted (2 Corinthians 1:4). I am able to experience true empathy by praying the same prayer with my TLT that I have prayed so often during my most painful moments. The trust that my teens give me allows me to share my testimony of forgiveness, which starts the healing process in their life and fortifies my faith in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

I have no doubt that God has used my TLTs, in tandem with acts of unconditional love and kindness, to help me heal. I know that the Holy Spirit has used them to bring a smile to my face through their silliness, thoughtful gifts, hugs, words of affirmation, and, well, you get the point. I can confidently testify that the love and care these teens have shown me far outweighs any modern version of self-love or self-care. As much as “I can buy myself flowers,” it is much better when a TLT randomly brings me flowers and says, “I thought of you Mrs. Kaller and cut them myself just for you. Do you like how they smell?”

I praise the Father for sending Jesus to demonstrate what serving others looks like. I have learned to trust Jesus that serving others is what is best for my spirit. I also recognize that as the body of Christ we all have different gifts (Romans 12:4-8). There is a strong probability that your gift may be completely different from mine. I pray that you are enjoying the constant stream of blessings that come through using your gift for God’s service. If you’re not involved in a ministry, come join us in Pathfinders.