August 23, 2010
HINDRANCES TO SERVING IN
YOUR FAMILY--PART 4
Scripture--Luke 17:7-10
Someone wisely said, "Expectations destroy relationships." A servant fulfills his duty faithfully without expectation of reward or praise ( see Luke 17:7-10 ). When our expectations don't come to pass, the result in disappointment; and serving becomes drudgery.
What expectations have you placed on your family? I would encourage you to place higher expectations on yourself. The business community has a motto that ought to be in our homes: underpromise and overdeliver. Go the second mile in serving your family and watch what happens. Usually we expect family members to go the second mile in meeting our needs. When our expectations aren't met, the natural result is bitterness.
Be the type of person who has a reputation for serving his family. Phebe had the reputation of being a servant in her local church. "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also" ( Rom.16:1-2 ). She so faithfully evidenced a servant's heart that others knew her by it.
Paul's attitude was that he was a servant of all. "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more" ( 1 Cor. 9:19 ). He wasn't seeking others to serve him; he was committed to serving those around him.
Are you willing to see yourself as a servant--to your spouse, to your children, to your parents, to your brothers and sisters? Change your expectations from your family serving you to your serving them.
DISCUSS: Are you a giver or a taker in your family? If you family took a poll and rated each family member according to his servant's attitude, how would you rate? Which family member has the reputation of being the best servant? Why did you select him?
--Rick Johnson--
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