Thoughts: There is always will be a temptation to take the easy way. Why should we get involved when life can be much easier when we let others take care of their own needs. The temptation to not serve when we know we should is great. Love for safety and comfort is not the way of righteousness and bravery. In our consumer oriented culture it is easy to think that life is all about me. The way of service always involves a sense of sacrifice. Christ did not stay in heaven where the ultimate comfort lay. Love compelled Him to come and give Himself for us. He faced animosity from the government and from the religious rulers all of his ministry. He washed the feet (in service) of those who were about to betray Him, deny Him, or run away from Him.* Doubtless He was weary of it all. Yet He faced the cross with bravery with a sense of service and sacrifice. Paul is enjoining us to not give into the flesh (vs. 8). If we sow service for God, we will reap reward from God. If we sow our own comfort leaving God's cause alone, we will reap God leaving us alone. When God gives us opportunity, we need to make the most of that opportunity.
This Lent, look for an opportunity to serve Christ by serving others.
Prayer: Help me to see and take opportunities to serve you.
*I just watched an old western movie called "High Noon" starring Gary Cooper. Cooper was a marshal who had just gotten married and left his marshal star behind in retirement-with a new marshal coming the next day. But a gunslinger with vows to kill Cooper and take over the town was coming back. Instead of leaving town, Cooper turns around to face his nemesis and to possibly save the town. But he was left all alone. His wife would not help, and the town people cowered away in fear and excuse. Christ is the One who came for our salvation. He alone can save us.
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