"If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life. But a person who has no love is still dead."
1 John 3:14
"If I have no love for others, no desire to serve others, I should question whether Christ is really in my life." This statement, from Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, struck me as an awesome truth.
Based on the Scripture above from John’s first letter, it provides what may be considered an accurate measurement of Christ’s presence in our lives. Very simply, it asks is Christ the center of your universe or are you?
Is their any real sign of God’s love in your heart? The presence of love for others and the realization of what you can do to serve them is the evidence that you have been renewed by Christ and that He truly resides within you.
Just take a look at the last few days. Is there any clear occurrence that you have cared about someone other than yourself? Have you actually served a brother or a sister in some way? You will find comfort if the answer is “Yes!” However, you may want to take some time to search your soul if the answer is no.
But, don’t be discouraged in your search. For your soul ultimately belongs to the One who created you. Keep that in mind when the next opportunity to serve another comes along – and it will. Indeed, you will always surrounded by need. We all are. Need is the way of this world. However, need rarely presents itself when it is convenient for us or when we are in the mood.
You need to step in and serve even if you don't feel like it.
Once you do, Christ will energize you! That’s right, He’ll give you the strength and the desire to do it again. Just ask God to open you up! Ask Him to open your eyes to those around you and to show you all the ways in which you can serve them in love.
The very beauty of this is that you will be obedient to what He asks and find His power to do it at the same time. It is a wonderful journey; a journey you will never travel alone. Because at its end, you will find the Lord Jesus residing in your heart forever.
You can begin today with just one act of service, however small. Then, just look for another. Take every opportunity to fill every need that presents itself.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, I pray that You will awaken me with a heart to serve, the wisdom to see the need, and the power to follow through. Please strengthen me and build my desire to satisfy every need you place in my path so that others may see your presence through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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