STAYING ABOVE REPROACH: Stars and Servants

 The difference between a star and a servant is who they think of FIRST. 

 

 

Husbands of character think of their wives first and of themselves last.

 

Wives of character think of their husbands first and of themselves last.

 

Fathers and mothers of character think of their children first and of themselves last.

 

Pastors of character think of their congregations first and of themselves last.

 

Leaders of character think of their followers first and of themselves last.

 

Employers of character think of their employees first and of themselves last.

 

 

Character is made and shown in loving sacrifice. This helps explain why selfish people end up being alone, critical people end up being despised and arrogant people end up being rejected. At the root of good and godly character is self-giving, not self-seeking. Self-seeking will pursue and do anything necessary to please itself. Yet, the cost will be the loss of all respect demanded from those closest to it. Self-giving, on the other hand, will deny itself and sacrifice anything to put others first. The reward will be respect earned and given by those closest to it. 

 

In the end, the only way for me to become a better husband is through serving my wife. The only way to become a better father is through serving my children. The only way to become a better pastor is through serving my congregation. 

 

QUESTION: Who are you serving? Who are those closest to you? What is the level of their respect for you? Who do you think of FIRST?