Listen

The Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he sat at the entrance of his tent in the day’s heat. He looked up and suddenly saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from his tent entrance to greet them and bowed deeply. He said, “Sirs, if you would be so kind, don’t just pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought so you may wash your feet and refresh yourselves under the tree. Let me offer you a little bread so you will feel stronger, and after that you may leave your servant and go on your way—since you have visited your servant.”

Genesis 18:1-5

Think

It seems to be trending lately that people don’t like to serve others. Serving is work. Serving is a chore. Serving others can make one feel like they are lesser than those they serve. In God’s upside-down neighborhood, people like Abraham jump and run toward opportunities for service. And people like Jesus leave the most important seat at the table to wash the feet of everyone else.

Serving is a gift that ultimately benefits everyone. Serving directly and immediately benefits the person being served. And those who serve pave the way and set the tone for others who will follow their example. Service that transforms communities can lead to everyone caring for one another mutually.

Service that transforms continues the work of many great servants who have gone before. Ideally, we all embody the love of Jesus, and we all serve one another mutually. Until that day when we all serve one another, the only person one can control is one’s own self. Will you choose to serve today?

Scott Ford

Question to Ponder

Why is it sometimes hard for you to serve others?

Pray

Loving God of all creation, help me to serve because serving brings you joy.

And help me to find joy in service, as I seek to turn my neighborhood upside down.

Amen.

Go

Go.

Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Love all of your neighbors.

Love all of yourself.