Fri/Sat/Sun—July 28–30•Choosing to Serve I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. (Philippians 2:19–22) Paul noted that his young friend Timothy had proved himself in ministry, for he was not like others who put their own interests ahead of Christ’s plan. Natural ambition causes us to seek prestige and admiration from people. But through the course of this week’s journey, we’ve seen Jesus calling His followers to pursue lives of service. Our ability to respond like Timothy, putting Jesus’ interests ahead of our own, will show up in every area of life. What does a servant’s attitude look like if I’m a boss? Am I willing to take responsibility to ensure that my employees earn a fair wage and have proper healthcare? If I’m an employee, will I stop second guessing my boss, assuming that I’m smarter and have a better solution than he or she does? Do I bad mouth my employer? Benjamin Franklin once said, “I will speak ill of no man, and speak all the good I know of everybody.” That’s a good rule to follow. In my family, do I insist on having my own way, or do I put my wife’s and children’s interests ahead of my own? In my church, do I sit with crossed arms, expecting the pastor to amaze me each week with his sermon, or do I roll up my sleeves to encourage and serve others? Every part of a man’s life is affected by whether he expects to be served, or he chooses to serve. A man can make a valuable contribution to God’s Kingdom, if he is willing to release his desire to “be somebody,” instead making Christ’s purpose his priority. MIMBS 3 Today’s devotional talked about serving in various areas of our lives. Which area presents the greatest challenge for your choice to live as a servant? Why? Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 21:1–28:27, Romans 11:13–13:14, Psalm 22:1–23:6, Proverbs 20:7–11 FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP July 24–30 Explain the difference between calling and ambition. ■ Which of these has ruled your work life in the past? ■ Which of these is ruling your daily life now? 27
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