Posted:
Based on “iServe” by Pastor Dean Corns; 7/25-26/09,
Message #DC129;
Daily Devotional #3 - “Selfish?”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Jesus replied: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (Matthew 22:37-39) As Pastor Mark would say, “Love God; love people.” Most of us do fairly well on the first, at least in our own minds. We go to church on the weekend, right? But as for the second part, it usually looks a little more like this. We drive to church and a dedicated servant directs us where to park. We then let someone open the church door for us, while someone else shows us to a seat. If we have questions, we can ask all around the Commons at the different tables that are set up. Other people lead us in worship, and then a Pastor comes forward and gives us an hour teaching that he spent at least 40 hours studying for. When it is over, we get up and are escorted onto the street by police officers stopping traffic for us. Then often, we go out to eat somewhere and let more people wait on us.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): I have heard of an 80/20 rule in churches. Twenty percent of the people serve the other 80%, who do nothing other than receive. I do not know where those numbers lie at CCM. If I had to guess, I would think we do a little better than that. But, why is it that only a small percentage of us faithfully serve? The number one reason: Over all, people (you and I) are selfish. I used to go to church on the weekends, read my Bible and take a few Bible studies, but that was all. I was not contributing to the church or anyone else except family and my close circle of friends. However, as I have grown as a Christ follower I have realized that I see God at work in my life most when I am doing what He is guiding me to do for others, not myself. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): As Pastor Dean said, “It is not about you.” Too often, this is the case. However, we have a choice to do something about it. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2) Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. As we seek God with all our heart, mind, and soul, He will reveal where He is working, so we will be able to join Him and serve Him. It is as we seek Him that the relationship is built. The better we know God the more we will see and share His love for people. Love for people takes sacrifice, not selfishness. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:14-17)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Romans 12
