THE BONES IN MY HANDS

(Post by: Lilly Hobbs)

Ever since I was little, I have always loved blessing others. Little notes, cleaning and preparing places where people can relax and enjoy themselves. It’s just my thing. My family will tell you that hospitality is one of the gifts God has given me. If you’re an extreme introvert, then there’s probably nothing that stretches you more than being hospitable. I mean, we are certainly not drawn to that kind of thing naturally, are we?

However, Jesus changed what I naturally want to do, and I hope you come to realize that very same thing for yourself after reading this post.

Many of us are in a season of waiting in one way or another right now. Maybe you’re waiting on God to answer your prayers for someone’s health, waiting to hear from a specific College, waiting to find your future spouse, or waiting to get an interview for that job you desperately want. Whatever it is, we’re all waiting on something or someone. As I was thinking about this, the following hit me.

If we’re waiting on God, we need to do what waiters do: serve.

Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

How many of us use our freedom in order to satisfy our flesh? Yeah, me too. We were made, however, to serve those around us humbly. I don’t care who you are or where you live, that just doesn’t come naturally. The majority of people on this planet don’t just do that!

Jesus actually expects His followers to serve; not be served.

Just in case you need a reminder, this whole thing is NOT in any way about us. Jesus modeled this perfectly for believers. He always worked with His hands.

I know a lot of Christians who say all the right things and who could tell you what each of the Beatitudes are, but not once have they picked up their own cross and made their goal to love others in their mess like Jesus did.

This is my point y’all. It is so easy to be that person without knowing it, and I do not want that to be us.

Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

You can’t serve like Jesus if you haven’t been radically changed by Jesus and have a zeal that only He can give. Anyone can hand out food to the homeless. Anyone can donate some money or drive someone to a doctor’s appointment.

Anyone can serve, but only a few will serve like Jesus. Only a few will wipe tears with compassion, preach with mercy, and listen with self-control.

“For you will certainly carry out God’s purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John.”  (C.S. Lewis)

My question for you is this… What do you want your hands to look like when you get to Heaven?

God, may the bones in my hands be warn, broken down, and tattered when I reach you. Let my hands resemble yours only for the purpose of loving others without abandon for your glory.

SO WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE?

= How can you serve someone like Jesus would right now?

= Do you serve others for you own glory or His?

= What are you going to do differently?