…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:2
Jesus endured a life of hardship and suffering for the joy that was set before Him. It was for others (us and all of mankind) that he endured the cross.
We are called to look to Jesus as our example. The founder and perfecter of our faith set an example for us of what it looks like to live a life that is all about serving others. And He demonstrated the joy that is found in putting others before yourself. May we find joy in the same way that Jesus did—by humbly and intentionally living for the good of those around us.
Serving others goes against the natural desires we have, and it requires us to choose to deny ourselves like Jesus did Himself in order to serve. Jesus said that He came not to be served but to serve. Of all people who have ever lived, Jesus was certainly the most deserving of being served than anyone else would ever be. But He CHOSE a life of serving others. In the same way, we need to choose a life of others first. Only then can we experience joy in the same way that Jesus modeled for us.
Today, consider how you might experience joy by serving those around you. This may look like serving those in your family at home (without expecting anything in return), serving in your church, or serving in your local community. Ask God to direct you to those around you that He would have you serve. And watch how living like Jesus in this way brings tremendous joy!
Today’s Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for the sacrificial life you lived and for enduring the cross for my sake. Thank you for the example you are for me of what it looks like to live sacrificially for those around me. Help me to serve others as you did, and help me to love as you love. Help me know what it’s like to find joy in putting others first, and give me the strength of your Holy Spirit to walk in Your ways today. In Jesus’s name, amen.