Today, I Choose Service

"It's NOT my job." Have you heard this before? Better yet, have you said it? I confess I've been on both sides of this statement. I've listened to it, and though I hate to admit it, I have also said this. Before an opinion begins to form, there are some valid reasons one might say that something is not their job. Acting would break the chain of command; more qualifications or resources must be needed to complete the job. However, saying it is not my job because there is no desire to do what needs to be done, even with the authority, skills, or resources to accomplish the task, is a far different matter. Unwillingness has crossed the line from focusing on self rather than the need in the situation, and therein lies the battle between self-importance and serving. 

Serving others is often far from glamorous. In my world as both an elementary teacher and administrator, it has meant many things: wiping noses, yes, cleaning up the results of lunches that didn't set well with little tummies, bagging the trash for the custodian who needed a day off, visiting staff in the hospital, and being there when a death has occurred to mention a few.  None of those things were in my job description, but all needed my attention and required a sacrifice of my time and sometimes my pocketbook. However, shifting the focus from serving myself to serving others opens us up to a world of personal growth and fulfillment that is genuinely satisfying and blesses far beyond what we could imagine. It's not just about serving but the transformation it brings to our hearts and souls when we see its impact on others.

In Matthew, Chapter 20, a minor dispute broke out among the disciples as they vied for positions of honor next to Jesus. Jesus, however, quickly corrected their earth-minded focus and taught them about the importance of service to others and denying themselves. He wanted to change their 'That's not my job' attitude and lead them to experience the profound joy and fulfillment that serving others brings a joy that surpasses any earthly position or recognition. The source of genuine encouragement and hope provides the power needed to demonstrate the serving hands of the Savior. 

So, what about us? No matter what position we hold in life, we all have the opportunity to serve others daily. The ladder of success in the eyes of Jesus has nothing to do with which rung we stand on. Still, it has everything to do with our focus, talents, resources, and a good dose of willingness to put others before ourselves; in doing so, we continue to lift high the very nature of our Savior, Jesus, who was and still is the most remarkable example of servanthood. He made the greatest sacrifice by giving His life- to give us a relationship with Him now and forever. He is our standard, our example, and the One who inspires us to never say, "It's not my job." I want to follow in his footsteps and serve others with the same selflessness and love to show Christ to others no matter the task that needs to be met. 

What about you? Just a word of warning, though. Watch out for the skeptics. The ones who want to criticize your imperfections that they know all too well. They will be right there pointing out your failures to paralyze your service. Take the plunge from self to selfless as the Lord leads you. Say yes to serving and no to self. Let go of position in favor of the needs of people. Tune out the talkers and get to the tasks. Be someone who meets the need and does so with a heart of service. It's different that way, and it matters. 

Today, I choose to serve others as God leads me. 

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26-28