We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Kelly Bryant.
Bible Reading:
Matthew 10:24
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.“
Word:
Have you ever done something for someone else, only to feel stung when your kindness goes unnoticed? Ever gave an awesome presentation, mastered a new skill or hit a big PR but felt deflated when no one was impressed? I’m sure we could all point to a moment in our lives when the lack of affirmation from others made us feel like our work was wasted.
When Jesus chose His twelve disciples and gave them authority in His name, He shared some instructions with them. Among those instructions was a call to humility. Before the disciples got too excited about this new power Jesus had placed in them, He reminded them that not everyone would stand back and applaud the miracles they would perform in Jesus’ name. He was teaching them that serving Him is not the same as performing for others.
Another scripture that drives this point home is Isaiah 10:15. Here the Bible says, “Can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it? Is the saw greater than the person who saws? Can a rod strike unless a hand moves it? Can a wooden cane walk by itself?” (NLT).
When we remember that we can do nothing apart from God, we view everything that we accomplish as a gift from God rather than a performance for others. In that way, we can be thankful for every opportunity God places before us.
We don’t have to serve others. We GET to serve. We GET to raise our children. We GET to work out. We GET to work at our jobs. If others notice and affirm us, that’s icing on the cake. But “the cake” is knowing that any gift I have to share with others is a gift that God blessed me with first.
Prayer:
Father, without you, I wouldn’t even be living and breathing right now. Help me to grow in humility, knowing that every gift and ability I have comes from You. Help me to use all that You give me to serve others without expecting anything in return. Help me to live my life for Your approval instead of allowing my happiness to go up and down with the applause of others. In your name, amen!
Skillwork:
Any time you find yourself looking for “likes” or appreciation from others, turn that into a statement of praise to God. Thank Him for all you’re able to do and acknowledge that He’s making it possible!
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