“But women will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in Faith, Love, and Holiness with propriety.” 1Timothy 2:15
What an odd Bible verse that must seem to be to everyone except moms. Moms know what it means. From the moment of conception, moms willingly sacrifice of themselves for the sake of another. They go through nausea, physical discomfort, blowing up to massive proportions, and intense labor pains all for the sake of a stranger growing inside of them. They find the strength to give up smoking, caffeine, alcohol, and junk food for the health of their unborn child – something they previously couldn’t muster enough willpower to do for themselves. After their child is born, moms continue to sacrifice sleep, resources, and time for their child until sacrifice and putting others before herself become second nature, and she is a servant to all those around her.
My mom once observed that she wasn’t in very many extended family gathering photos. I pointed out that it was because she was always in the kitchen preparing, serving, or cleaning up the meal.
A truly loving mother is a model for what Life in Christ looks like – God first, others second, oneself third.
And the really odd thing is that as a mom, I’m much happier when I’m doing something for someone else. My newly married son’s winter clothes were still stored in our barn this fall. I was overjoyed with the idea of surprising my son with baskets of clean, folded clothes – a chance to do something for him even though he’s off living his own life now.
“so He (Jesus) got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him…When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?’ He asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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. Very truly I tell you, 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: 4-5, 12-17
There are simple ways to build a habit of serving others:
1. Overdo “thank yous”. 2. Smile at strangers in the grocery store. 3. Jump at every chance to hold doors open for others. 4. Never take the last piece of pie or all of the stock of one item at the grocery store. 5. Keep ones and fives in your pocket so you can give to anyone who asks. 6. Keep all your fingers curled around the steering wheel and pray for safe travel for those who cut you off in traffic. 7. Ask how others are doing and listen to their answers. 8. Receive with joy the news of another’s good fortune 9. Despair with others struck by misfortune. 10. Put something in every Red Kettle you pass at Christmas time. 11. Have a spare blanket, jacket, mittens, or gloves in the car to give to someone shivering in the cold. 12. Tiithe your time as well as your resources – that’s about 10 waking hours a week of service to others including your own family. 13. Encourage and build people up with your words. 14. Never trash talk anyone behind their back. 15: Refrain from all political discussions that demonize others – instead suggest positive ways to make changes. 16. Be willing to share or give away literally everything in your possession.
Contrary to popular belief serving others is more Joyful than serving yourself. Watch an interview with any teenager who has gone on a church mission trip to dig a well in a developing nation. Their singular reaction to serving others is Joy. They are always transformed by the experience.
“Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave (servant) of all. For even the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a Ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45
“Try it – you’ll like it” : )