Helping and serving others…
My current job requires me to serve others with a smile. Many days it becomes so routine that I get tired of helping people. Especially people that are so ungrateful. I get tired of repeating myself to answer the same questions over and OVER again. Tired of touching another persons wet, sweaty shoes. (Okay, maybe that's not something that people normally have the deal with.) But I start to ask myself, is this really worth it? Sure I'm eventually getting paid for this, it's a job. But is that enough?
I get frustrated with myself because then I start to remember…at what point did I start to think that I deserved something in return? What is so wrong with lending a helping hand to someone who can't pay me back? Why do I feel like I need a pat on the back for my service?
This is not just an "at work" mindset. It overflows into our everyday lives. We begin to think that because something is not our responsibility, it is not our place to get involved.
"It's that guys fault for buying a piece of junk car. Who cares if he's broken down? I don't have to help him."
"That single mom with the 15 screaming children, she doesn't need my assistance. I'll just be intruding."
"I don't live in Africa, the water shortage over there is not my problem."
Unfortunately, this is how we think. It's a mindset that I myself get stuck in most of the time. I feel like it's all about me! But when I can look past myself and realize that it is most definitely NOT about me, I am free to help others. And you know what? I don't feel the need for any compensation.
EVERYTHING points back to the example of Jesus. (Funny how that works.) He lived his life helping and serving the least of these. He didn't expect anything in return. His reward? To be crucified by the ones he poured his time and energy into. The fact is that his crucifixion is what gives me life today. What if he had felt that he needed a pat on the back for all his hard work? What if our motivation to help others stemed from giving them life and not what we will recieve in return?
When I leave for the World Race in July, I know I will be faced with many opportunities to help others. I will have to make a decision to look past my lazy, selfish self and serve. It may even become routine and seem fruitless at times. Will you pray for me to have the attitude of Jesus?
