IN HIS SERVING FOOTSTEPS

Why am I here? This is a question that runs through our minds most of the time. God has created within men a need to know the reason for his existence. Jesus, as a man, had to come to terms with the purpose of his life. He realized at a very young age that his purpose in life was to do his Father's work. At the age of 12 Jesus exclaimed to his parents that he had to be in his Father's house (Luke 2:49), hence, walking in his footsteps will always call us to know Jesus' purpose for our lives as his disciples. Let us study the lifestyle of Jesus.

1. THE SERVANT OF ALL

Philippians 2:7
Make a list of ways in which you can serve others more than you have been doing.

Even though he was the Son of God, Jesus saw the need to serve all of mankind. This he did, taking the very nature of a slave in the service of all. Instead of bearing him like a king, as he was, he became a servant. Born on an animal farm, his first bed was one lain with straw. He was born in a small town into the low-income family of a carpenter.

What an example of humility and love! As you go through this, ask yourself the following questions:
Q. How is my heart towards serving?
Q. How much am I willing to lay down my life for others?
Q. Do I offer a helping hand or do I wait to be asked?

Matthew 20:28
Jesus declared that his purpose in coming to the earth was to serve and not to be served.

Q. Do you see your life as being purposefully for serving others? It starts by finding a way to serve others.
Q. What plans do you have today to serve someone else? When there is a need that is made known or of which you become aware, do you immediately feel the need to extend a helping hand, or do you wait for someone else to volunteer?

Walking in Jesus' footsteps demands a willing heart to go beyond one's ability and go in the strength given by God.

John 13:1-17
To his disciples, Jesus demonstrated what it means to be the greatest among servants. By washing their feet. Jesus was setting an example that they disciples were to follow, and reminds them that he is among them as one who serves.

Q. Are you setting an example or are you busy delegating responsibilities to others that you can and should do yourself? (read Matthew 3:4)
Q. Have you struggled with selfish ambition, wanting to be praised and mentioned as great? Q. What is your attitude when asked to serve?

One area in which we can demonstrate to the world that we are different is in the area of serving. We are the light of the world, and the world gives glory to God as our good deeds shine bright.

1 Corinthians 15:9,10
Our motivation to serve should be the grace of God and not the desire to be noticed, mentioned or rewarded.

Acts 9:36-43
Dorcas was a disciple whose reputation of service was known to many.
Q. Is your reputation of service like that of Dorcas?

Acts 6:17
Service had a great impact here, in helping the disciples to be at peace and helping for the apostles to focus on preaching, so that the church grew spiritually and numerically. Our service helps to evangelize the world.

Some practical ideas:

• Organize with others and go out two-by-two to evangelize.
• Plan for meals together in your Bible talk.
• Help others around you in the every-day areas of life, e.g. budgeting and being financially disciplined.

Simple acts of service make a big and telling impact in the church as they refresh and inspire those around us. Decide to walk in Jesus' footsteps.

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