to serve, not be served.

I was thinking today about our LIT program- the oldest campers who do a lot of "camper" things but also learn about and exercise a little leadership. I was also thinking today about one of the questions we ask on our staff application: "How would you define servant leadership?" I think there is a  lot to serving and a lot to leading and I think that the two often should go hand in hand. But if I had to pick the most important of the two words, I think I would say it's the "servant" part. To serve... to wait on, to assist, to offer, to render services, to help. Why is this so important? I think because scripture points out serving others quite often.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." -1 Peter4:10

"...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..." -Ephesians 4:12

" Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." -Philippians 2:3-4

But perhaps the most humbling and most compelling reason that serving others is an integral part of following Christ is what we read in Matthew 20:28, "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Sometimes when I read that I have to pause and ask myself, "did you catch that?" Jesus came to earth- the Lord of lords- to serve. And that honestly blows my mind... if there is anyone I can think of that most deserves to be served it is Jesus. I strive to serve Him!! And this is how it should be- however we have a Savior who came to first serve us, in fact give his life and die for us. What a great motivation to serve him! And others. As those other Bible verses point out we must, must serve others. And we have a fantastic example in Jesus Christ. 


posted by: Tara

resolutions for a new year

Happy New Year! It is 2011 and we have (a little less than) a full year ahead of us. I love the excitement of the new year- thinking about all that is ahead... feeling like you can start with a clean slate. And the new beginning- New Year's resolutions.

There are always resolutions to be made... I know I have made my fair share over the years. Every year since middle school I make the New Year's resolution that I will stop biting my nails once and for all. I have never ever succeeded with this. I resolve to work out more, eat better, love people better, do my job better, give more, serve God better, keep in touch with long distance friends more... the list goes on. This year I thought I would share a list of "resolutions" with you that come completely from scripture. Simple commands from our Lord- many of which I let slip through the cracks or just plain fail to do well. So, here is my list of resolutions. Maybe you will join me in this list...

In 2011 I want to...
-"pray continually." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

-"trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding" Proverbs 3:5

-Love others even when it is hard, and "lend to them without expecting to get anything back." Luke 6:35

-"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice Hospitality" Romans 12:13

-Care for orphans and widows. James 1:27

-"Let no corrupting talk come out of my mouth but only such... that it may give grace to those that hear." Ephesians 4:29

-"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave me." Ephesians 4:32

-Honor everyone. 1 Peter 2:17

-Put on "a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness and patience." Colossians 3:12

-Read the Bible more. "faith comes from hearing, hearing through the word of Christ." Romans 10:17

-Be cheerful whenever I give to others. 2 Corinthians 9:7

-"Give thanks in all circumstances." 1 Thessalonians 5:18


posted by: Tara