Always try to serve others

A reporter once asked the famous American singer Marian Anderson to name the greatest moment in her life. She could have talked about the private concerts she gave at the White House for the Roosevelts or her command performance for the king and queen of England. Instead, she shocked the reporter by saying, “The greatest moment in my life was the day when I was able to go home and tell my mother that she wouldn’t have to take in washing anymore.” We are all innately self-centred, thinking first about our own interests. That’s why we must be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Romans 12:2 NIV). Psychologists talk about natural behaviour and learned behaviour. When you’re naturally negative, you must learn to be positive. When you’re naturally fearful, you must learn to be courageous. When you’re naturally selfish, you must learn to be generous. God wants you to go through life looking for opportunities to bless others: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10 NKJV). And you’re not just to do it to people, you’re supposed to do it through people and unto the Lord. “Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord” (Ephesians 6:6-8 NKJV). That means what you make happen for others, the Lord will make happen for you!