Ladies, be jealous.
Venable, stay humble. :)
Since our recent move Scott and I have had a bit of a role reversal. I am now working full time and Scott has a more fluid, flexible schedule. Let me just say that my husband is incredible. He has completely stepped up to the plate in every way. I have been so thankful to come home to dinner ready EVERY night and a clean house EVERY Friday. His servant's heart has been revealed to me on a deeper level which has been very encouraging and challenging.
As followers of Christ our lives are to be marked by selfless love and service to others. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) Yet many times I am guilty of getting so consumed with myself that I do not open my eyes to the needs of others. I am guilty of serving when it is convenient and easy and not so much when it involves sacrifice.
Our flesh and society tell us to gain for ourselves, do what makes us feel good and what makes us comfortable because that will bring happiness and satisfaction. Yet this view is in opposition to Jesus' life and teachings. Although Jesus had every right to come to this earth to be served, worshipped, and exalted he served selflessly to the point of death on the cross. He modeled humility and submission to God perfectly.
"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:12-17)
In spite of how the world defines "blessed", true blessedness comes from a life of submission to Christ and service to others. It opposes the value system of our culture and society. It requires letting God rid of us of our pride, laziness, and comfort. Though this is contrary to what we hear in our culture, it is the process that one finds true freedom and satisfaction. Freedom from consumption of self and the sin nature. It allows one to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with walking with Christ.
In spite of how the world defines "blessed", true blessedness comes from a life of submission to Christ and service to others. It opposes the value system of our culture and society. It requires letting God rid of us of our pride, laziness, and comfort. Though this is contrary to what we hear in our culture, it is the process that one finds true freedom and satisfaction. Freedom from consumption of self and the sin nature. It allows one to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with walking with Christ.
So, thank you Scott for revealing to me a glimpse of our Father's heart of selfless love and service. Father, I praise you for coming to serve man to the point of death. Thank you for the redemption and renewal of my soul that was made possible by your sacrifice. Through your spirit alive in me, help me to serve and love others as you do.
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
