Sunday, February 7, 2016 Ok. I know this first post is not going to be a favorite among many. But what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. I think many in society these days are not sure of right and wrong and are under the impression that this world "owes them something." This world was given something in the form of a babe named Jesus. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but, if someone dies for you so you can have eternal life, I'd think the owing something would go the other way. Hence, our current study at church on "Developing A Servant's Heart." When you first hear the word servant, you can automatically assume it means "doing that which is told to do" by someone else. This is not the way to develop a servant's heart (for either party). We are all born to serve. Jesus was our first example of a servant. At the last supper, he served the disciples by washing their feet. I've often wondered how that made them feel, especially after the events of the next few days when everything they believed in and had been told about came to be. Anyway, back to being a servant (sorry, I have a hormonal brain these days and it wonders in thoughts quite frequently). You can actually be a servant to those not wanting to be served. Yes, you can! Doing acts of kindness because it brings joy to God's name is what being a servant is all about. Now, if you are serving others to bring joy and admonition to YOUR name, then, you might want to re-think your definition of servant. Being a servant begins in you. It is an act of putting others' needs clearly ahead of your own. You've all heard the phrase, "Practice makes perfect", I'm sure. Well, practicing serving others eventually leads to it being second nature in your heart. The best place to start in developing a servant's heart is at home, with your spouse and family. Starting our day by serving others puts us in the mind set of servitude. Serving our spouse is a wonderful way to bring the scriptures to life when He speaks of husbands loving their wives as Christ loved the church and wives submitting (ouch!) themselves to their husbands. Whew..there...I said it and the world is still turning! Imagine facing a sinning wagon at work after you were served breakfast in bed by your spouse, complete with a smile and a kiss, for no other reason than you love them and you want them to know they are important to you! This would have to make a difference in choosing to just say hello or give new meaning to that hello. If you don't keep your spouse fed at home, they will be hungry at somebody else's table, y'all! Be the change you want to see. Serve others by beginning to develop a servant's heart in your own home. Branch out from there. A servant's heart is a humble heart. It is also a child's heart. They strive to please their parents and serve without hesitating. We have to have a heart of a child (aka servant's heart) to enter His kingdom. More tomorrow.