Contrasting Poems on Servanthood
Matthew 20:28 "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." If He came to serve, what must we do?
ILL.- “I gave a little party this afternoon at three—
’Twas very small
Three guests in all
Just I, Myself, and Me
Myself ate up the sandwiches
While I drank up the tea
And it was I
Who ate the pie
And passed the cake to Me.”
This is the way it is with most folks, but because we’re in Christ and Christ is in us, we’re supposed to think about others!
Years ago, the Salvation Army was holding an international convention and their founder, Gen. William Booth, could not attend because of physical weakness. He cabled his convention message to them. It was one word: "OTHERS."
Lord, help me to live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for others.
Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And know that all I’d do for you
Must needs be done for others.
Let "self" be crucified and slain
And buried deep, and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again
Unless to live for others.
And when my work on earth is done
And my new work in heaven’s begun
May I forget the crown I’ve won
While thinking still of others.
Others, Lord, yes, others
Let this my motto be,
Help me to live for others
That I may live like Thee.
From a sermon by Steve Shepherd, Memorial Day Observances, 5/31/2010