Today’s Reading
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13 NASB)

“Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45 NASB)

If anyone has ever had reason to serve himself, it was Jesus. And yet The King of Kings – Lamb of God – Light of the World – God Himself emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, being made in the likeness of men, humbled Himself in obedience, leading to history’s greatest act of love… death on a cross for the sins of the world (Philippians 2:7-8). In essence, the life of Christ was willingly given for us. Jesus came to serve.

The sacrifice made by Jesus makes us free from sin. But it also makes us free for service to others. Being free from sin is not a license to do whatever you want. But rather an opportunity to serve one another in love by dying to yourself. That’s the very nature of serving. It’s a bit of an anomaly that God calls us to use our freedom to choose to do something to serve someone else.

Reflection
How are you using your freedom to serve others? What outlets do you have that you can utilize in serving? Who do you know that could really use your service this week? Take a moment and write a list of people you’d like to serve and how you’d like to serve them. But don’t stop there. Draft a plan of execution and follow through! Share your stories with us here online! We’d love to hear about them.

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for me. Thank You for freeing me for freedom. Lord, I ask you to give me Your eyes and help me to see the world the way You see it. Open my eyes to see the number of opportunities to serve that are around me today. Stir my heart to die to self and serve others and serve You. In Jesus’ name I pray; amen.