Less of me

A call to serve

By: Jeri Lynn Scott

 

            As another New Year is upon us, many around me begin to talk about their resolutions; their weight loss programs are a hot topic of conversation. As I listen to the many varieties of weight loss ideas I have the sudden craving to dive into an enormous cinnamon roll or a plate of hot gooey cheese enchiladas.  I’m not sure what compels me to go against the tide, maybe it’s all the years of failed New Year’s resolutions or just my stubborn and sometimes strong headed personality or both.

            This New Year God began to speak to me through a sermon that I heard toward the year’s end, the goal of the sermon was to change our thoughts about who we are and focus on who Jesus is.  To become less of myself and more like Him.  This stirred my thoughts for a few days as I thought about those in my life, including myself, that when we are self-focused we become miserable and unmotivated focusing on ourselves and our own issues.

            When we focus on ourselves our tendency is to focus at all the negative qualities that we think we have, the things we don’t have and what others do have and before long we become angry and even sometimes depressed. The opposite can also happen, maybe we spend too much money on cloths or products to make ourselves look and feel better. Either way it’s all self focus, both are negative and not at all how I want live my life. I’m not bashing the thought of buying a new outfit or feeling good about our self, I’m only trying to direct us to our motive of why. Why are we doing the things we do? Are we trying to fill a void or are we genuinely living the quality of life we strive for?

 

 

            When I thought about this New Year and the changes I wanted to make, it really made me look deep inside. As a woman in ministry leadership I feel compelled to serve others, not out of duty but out of the love for what Jesus has done for me in my life, but I still sometimes find myself falling into the trap of selfish desires that aren’t always healthy.

            I had many thoughts run through my mind about how Jesus served others, always investing in those around Him.  The verse of scripture that continued to run through my mind was Matthew 20:28, “For even the son of man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.”   Jesus gave His life serving others, I want that I thought. Not literally giving my life on a cross like Christ but giving my life to others in serving.  Humbling myself as a servant leader to think of others needs.

            I have found in the past that I’m always happiest when I give and do for others. Scripture confirms this in Matthew 10:39 “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” By giving of myself I become less of me and more like Christ, and the by product is I have joy and my life has purpose. All of our lives are have purpose, what is your purpose?  As a woman in leadership part of our purpose is to give of ourselves. Our time, energy, resources and maybe our hearts if need be. I want my life to count for something wonderful, I want it to be said that Jeri Lynn Scott was sold out to her Jesus and she served Him and others with everything she had.  What do you want your life to say?  This is a new year and a new start. I will resolve this year to be less of me and more like Him by serving others. What will you resolve to change or focus on this year?

            By the way I did start that weight loss program and I do have high hopes of being successful. Not because of self focus this year but the healthier I am the more of myself I can offer others. My goal is less of me and more of Him.