At Her Service

Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:28

HUSBANDS ARE CALLED TO love their wives as Christ loved His church. The mark of Jesus’ love is service and sacrifice. That’s what love does. As God in human form, Jesus had every right to arrive on earth and demand our service. But He didn’t do that. Instead, He looked for opportunities to bestow mercy, to speak the truth in love, to weep with those who wept, and to take the death sentence we had coming to us. Service flowed from Him naturally because He had the heart of a lover and giver. And He calls us to be like Him.

Being like Jesus is a tall order—impossible, humanly speaking. But God never issues a call without also making a way for us to rise to it. Lean on Him for the strength to serve. Pointedly and continually ask Him for the ability you do not have on your own. If you are married, service begins with your wife. Look for ways to give to her, especially when it is difficult, because you promised to do so “in sickness and in health.” Remember, Jesus did not bail out on us when things became difficult. He wants us to trust Him for strength beyond what is humanly possible.

God will empower us to do His will as we take on the role of a servant. As you commit yourself to serving others, you just might find a new and unexpected exhilaration as you discover that the joy of the Lord really is your strength.

BOTTOM LINE

Service may not be glamorous, and it may well be that only God really understands how much you sacrifice; but He will enable you to do it joyfully.

Moment of Strength: Galatians 5:13