Servanthood

 I am reading a book and in that book, they said there have been many studies done that show people that volunteer and serve others are happier, healthier, and live longer. The Book is "UN christian".  I do know that much of my life at least in recent years I try to find some way to give back to society. It usually is nothing big, or noteworthy.  I have mowed lawns, picked up trash, very simple jobs.  Since I have lived here on West RD I have tried to pick up trash along the road. I remember the first time I did it, I filled up our weekly garbage bin twice with just road trash.  I try to keep it up but when I have been sick or on a road trip I get behind and I end up having to fill several buckets the first few times out.  I help change light bulbs at the church I attend or paint a room. We deliver meals on wheels several times a month either in Tupelo or in Verona. These are things anybody can do.  Jesus said in Matthew 20:26; Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  I believe we can find many more verses on serving others. Jesus Christ himself came to serve and be a ransom for many.   Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3. We live in a very selfish "me first" world and that is contrary to being a Christian or being Christ-like. Ever notice how many commercials point to getting all you can get or getting everything you deserve. Or the funeral expense insurance, the mom will say I am so glad you'll be taken care of to her grown children. So much of this is actually contrary to what God teaches us. God designed us to serve others. I look at people like Bill Gaither that has spent so much of his time and talent in promoting other Christian artists. Some of the greatest parents have served their children. I think of the story Ben Carson told about his mother having them read and writing a book report on the books they read. It wasn't until later that he realized she didn't know anything about those books but she would mark up his report like she did. She poured her life into her boys.  Servanthood can take on many different avenues. In humility value others above yourself, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.  So much of Christianity is counter-culture, goes against the grain, against what society teaches us. God created us and designed us, to serve one another.  God bless, LVZ.