Serving the World

At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. - Luke 4:40

While managing not to lose himself in the process and staying connected with his friends, Jesus spent his life giving to others, especially to those on the margins and those who were ‘messy,’ as in this passage. He lived a life of personal sacrifice - and was full of life while doing so. This is what we call the OUT corner of the Connection Triangle (below).

So many of us struggle to calibrate our serving and giving. We put too much of ourselves into it and feel like we get lost, or we isolate ourselves and get trapped in selfishness. We give money out of guilt or cling to it out of fear. And yet, when we do find that sweet spot of appropriately, healthily, sacrificially giving ourselves away, we experience fulfillment.

Today, process these questions with Jesus and speak with him about finding your way to a flourishing relationship with the OUT.

• Where have you met Jesus in your giving to the world of your time, your heart, your money?

• Do you struggle with giving too much or too little? With guilt or pride? With losing yourself or isolating yourself?

• When it comes to the needs of the world, what issue, group of people, or part of the world holds a special place in your heart? What are ways you might listen to your heart and make a difference by serving/giving?