Servanthood

I was reminded today that servanthood most often means doing what you DON'T want to do when you DON'T want to do it. It's a lot easier to "serve" others when the task is easy or convenient. But Christ set the supreme example by going somewhere he really didn't want to go and doing something he really didn't want to do. Why did he do it? Because he was a servant.

Phil 2: 12-16

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."

Risk & Failure

I read something recently that struck me... "Failure is our master teacher, and those who do not know this teacher well tend to be short-termers in the growth process." (Cloud & Townsend)

So many people I know are paralyzed by the fear of failure and, as a result, risk nothing. It's unfortunate, really, because there's so much to be gained in life. But, most of what there is to gain is only attained by taking a risk.

I've always considered myself to be a risk-taker, and yet, I feel like I've shrunk back some... played it safe, sat out one too many dances. It'd be nice to turn that around. It's difficult to think one can please God without taking risks. Isn't that what faith is all about in the first place?! (Hebrews 11:6) Faith is a risk. Faith in God may just be the ultimate risk.

Why not go all out?