Beyond Ourselves: Living a Life of Purpose and Service

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27 ESV

My dear friends, true life and purpose are not found in focusing on ourselves. Our world is filled with mantras of ways in which we should be about ourselves. And this push to self-focused living is not the path that a follower of "the way," should be pursuing. The life of Christ shows what a life beyond ourselves looks like. A life where one is fully and wholly devoted to God through selfless, sacrificial, and servant-hearted love. I am learning that the servant life is not easy but it is deeply gratifying and rewarding. Written in the life of Christ we see a life of purpose and service was found in his living and his dying. A life beyond ourselves is where lives are touched and legacy is created.

The Call to Live Beyond Ourselves

Loving God

A life beyond ourselves first begins with a deep unwavering devotion to the Lord. Notice the call is first to be wholly consumed with a deep love for the Lord and then to love our neighbors. How can we truly live a life of genuine service if we are not captivated by our love for God? I would dare to say that the extent of our service can be measured by the depth of our love and appreciation for our King. Friends, may we be overcome with deep love for God and what he has done for us in Christ. May our love of God be the fuel for our service.

"Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you." 1 Samuel 2:24

Loving People

For Jesus came not to be served but to serve. What a blessed gift it is to serve others. It truly is a gift, and may we view serving others through the lens of Christ. And through loving people, we are loving God. Service shifts our focus from What can I gain? To how can I give? Transforming not only the lives around us but also our hearts. May our actions precede our feelings. Ways in which we can build a life of service to others:

1. Using the gifts the Lord has blessed us with to bless others (1 Peter 1:10-11 ESV)

   
   

2. Showing compassion by acknowledging others- Think of the way Jesus acknowledged and loved others in the Gospels. I am so deeply encouraged to do the same! (Colossians 3:12-13 ESV; 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4; Matthew 9:36 ESV; Matthew 14:14 ESV)

   1. Think about people within your family, workplace, and community. Or even random strangers you come across day to day. I know the Lord has many opportunities for us to show compassion that he wants us to step into.

      
      

3. Offering help to those in need- What a beautiful and amazing opportunity we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. There is much need around us, may we joyfully serve. (Philippians 2:4 ESV and Hebrews 3:16 ESV)

   1. Whether it be giving our time, resources, or encouragement. The Lord tells us it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35 ESV)

      
      

4. Invest in others- Be a mentor, teacher, or encourager. Listening to others and their troubles and offering the ministry of prayer. And pouring wisdom through the word of God in them. Spiritually nourishing the hungry soul. (Mark 6:34 ESV and Matthew 28:20 ESV)

   
   

May you be compelled by the love of God to serve him through living beyond yourself.

The Power of a Legacy-Minded Life

Friends, I hope that you have gained a deeper vision of what it looks like to live a life beyond yourself: TO LOVE GOD AND TO LOVE PEOPLE. Every day is a legacy moment people will remember how you sacrificially lay down your preferences and desires so that they be loved and cared for. The impact of a purposeful life extends beyond the present moment. It creates a ripple that influences future generations. A life well-lived continues to inspire even after we are gone.

My dear precious friends by choosing to live every day beyond ourselves, we create a legacy of love, hope, and transformation that transcends time.

How will you live beyond yourself today?