March 18, 2009

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

--John 13:34-35

If being a servant to others is such a simple concept to grasp, why don’t more people actually do it?

The answer is because we’re too focused on ourselves and our own needs! And in a culture that celebrates self above all else, it’s easy to understand why this is.

Yet the Bible doesn’t let us off the hook because the culture we live in doesn’t embrace humility or serving others unselfishly. The Scripture says that Jesus made himself nothing and took the form of a servant. And if Jesus who was God incarnate did this, so should we!

Think about the people with whom you live life. Think about your neighbors. Which of them could use your help? Who needs their yard mowed? Their trees pruned? Their leaves raked?

Think about work or school. Who needs help with their workload? Who needs a smile or word of encouragement given in the name of Christ? Think about your home life. How could you help your spouse out today? How could you serve your children?

It’s one thing to say you’re a Christian. It’s quite another thing to show that you’re a Christian.

Genuine love shown through humble service is a sure-fire way to turn people on to Jesus Christ. As he says in today’s verse, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

So my challenge to you is simple: Put on your badge as a believer by displaying a sacrificial, steadfast, and selfless love expressed in acts and deeds of kindness and ministry to the body of Christ and to the people who do not know him. 

By this all people will know that you are his disciple!

IT’S ONE THING TO SAY YOU’RE A CHRISTIAN. IT’S QUITE ANOTHER THING TO SHOW THAT YOU’RE A CHRISTIAN.