In my first year of ministry, I was invited out to lunch by a Youth Pastor from a neighboring church who served a much larger congregation than I was a part of. I was both excited and honored to have been invited. Shortly into our meal, it became apparent that he had an agenda. He wanted to know what my salary was, and he spent the entire meal complaining about his. He lost focus. I’m sure that at one time he was focused on serving God, but at some point, his focus changed, and instead of serving God, he started serving himself. When you are not in love with God, you start counting, and his “counting” saddened me. I left our lunch meeting with a horrible taste in my mouth, and it wasn’t from any of the food I had eaten. My friend that I looked up to was not worthy of serving in ministry. Anyone who approaches serving with an attitude of entitlement is not worthy of serving in ministry.
In all humility, Jesus humbled himself, “taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7), . . . he laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist (John 13:4), and proceeded to wash his disciples feet. After finishing, he then said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:14–15). The “example” he references is just that, an example. He’s not telling us to wash people’s feet, he’s telling us to love as a servant, just as he did. Remember, it’s not about you. In moving your focus from you to God, you will naturally find yourself serving others with the love of God. This manner of living honors the Lord and keeps your focus in alignment.
Even So, It’s Not About You
It’s not about you. It never was and it never will be. It’s always been about what God did, what he does and what he will do. It’s about Him, not you. Regardless of the love you express or the sacrifice you make, it’s never about you. Ever. The one who is in love with God will always point to him, will always look for ways to honor him, will always take a back seat so that he shines. Not most of the time . . . always. Any time you share the limelight, you steal glory that is not yours.
Today is All About You, Jesus
At your first waking moment of each day, train yourself to recognize His Lordship in your life by confessing aloud, “This day is all about you, Jesus“. Make it all about him. This act of confession sets both the priority of your day and aligns your thinking with the Holy Spirit. Only then, will you be most productive in the Kingdom of God.