“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him that the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:1-11 (Context: Philippians 2:1-18)
Lately my attitude isn’t where it should be. I am tired, busy, feeling alone, and just plain blah. Sometimes it’s hard to see the sun through the clouds. My attitude is one of, “Why me?” instead of thankfulness.
I have three kids and a husband who works nights, so there isn’t much time for quiet prayer or reflection around here. I have to multitask. Five to six times a day I have to sit and pump milk for Jack. Sorry if this is too much information for some of you, but this is where I am. I was sitting there on my phone during this fifteen minutes, every four to six hours. I would look at Facebook or play games.
I started reading my Bible app and I read the verses above. I heard that my attitude stinks. I was sitting there surrendering my time for Jack’s well-being, and I hated it. It’s painful, it takes so much time, and my schedule revolves around it. Then I read verses three through eight. It reminded me why I do what I do. I was sacrificing for Jack. Even though I can’t nurse Jack normally due to his cleft pallet, I can still provide the nutrients he needs to be healthy for his upcoming surgery. I needed to be grateful for the ability to sit, read, and supply for Jack’s needs.
We are called to serve. What that looks like is unique to us. Sometimes I throw myself a pity party. I scream, yell, and feel like I’m the family’s maid. Other times I count my blessings. I have been given a husband who works hard, three amazing children, family, and loving friends. Every day is different. Christ served first. He humbled himself by becoming man. I will have failures, but I will continue to serve. I am here to serve first, just as Jesus was.
How do you serve Him each day? What does your attitude look like while serving others?
Kim Harris
Kim has literally thrown herself into ministry at Servants from the moment she joined in 2013. She is a member of the church staff and serves as the Director of Children’s and Family Ministries. She and her husband John also frequently open their home for great times of fellowship such as last month’s Beer and Hymns and, coming in January, our Epiphany Bonfire.