Serve Others
by Annie Yorty
In this month when we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States, we also remember to thank God for freedom we have through our Lord Jesus Christ. In the first two blogs of our Free To series, we looked at how Christ makes us free to live in security and free to understand God’s Word. Today, let’s consider how Christ sets us free from self-focus and free to serve others.
Self-Focus
Have you ever thought of Moses as a protester? I recently read the familiar passage in Exodus where God met Moses at the burning bush and told him to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom. Moses protested God’s call to serve not once, not twice, but five times.
Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? (Exodus 3:11 NLT)
They will ask me, “What is his name?” (Exodus 3:13 NLT)
What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? (Exodus 4:1 NLT)
O Lord, I’m not very good with words. (Exodus 4:10 NLT)
Lord, please! Send anyone else [other than me]. (Exodus 4:13 NLT)
Did you notice the prevalence of the words “I” and “me” in Moses’ protestations? Moses couldn’t see past his own insecurities to get on board with God. With each objection, God replied by drawing the focus back to Himself. Eventually, Moses looked away from himself and obeyed God. The rest, as they say, is history.
Free from Self-Focus
In the New Testament, we read an account of Jesus’ actions shortly before He would die on the cross. If anyone had a right to be self-focused, it would be Him. After all, He was about to sacrifice Himself in a gruesome way to save the world from sin.
Yet His focus turned to His disciples.
Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. (John 13:3-5 NLT)
I find the first sentence in this passage revealing. Jesus knew His identity and purpose. Because of that clarity, He took the focus off Himself and assumed the lowliest servant’s job washing the feet of those He loved.
Jesus frees us from our inborn self-focus and frees us to serve others in the same way He did. #freedominchrist #annieyorty Share on XFree to Serve Others
As children of God saved from sin by Jesus Christ, our identity is also sealed. We know our Father has authority over everything and He prepared a place for us with Him for eternity. Jesus frees us from our inborn self-focus and frees us to serve others in the same way He did.
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13 NLT)
Serve Others to Glorify God
When God spoke to Moses from the fiery bush, Moses couldn’t take his eyes off himself. He obsessed over his insecurities. He feared the negative response of others, and he fretted about failure. Yet God empowered him to accomplish His plan of redemption.
People who don’t have the Holy Spirit naturally focus on self rather than God. But when we received salvation, we also received the indwelling of the Spirit. God’s Spirit reminds us of our identity in Christ, so we too are equipped to accomplish His plan to serve others.
Walk in Freedom to Serve
When God presents you with an opportunity to serve others, do you typically protest several times like Moses or eagerly raise your hand? When you willingly serve God in the power of the Holy Spirit, you will draw attention and praise to Him.
Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:16 NLT)
I pray you fix your gaze on God each day so when He calls on you to serve others, you can say without hesitation, “Here I am. Send me!”
Join the conversation:
How does your identity in Christ free you to serve others?
I welcome your comments!
Copyright ©2023 Annie Yorty
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21 Comments
Barbara Latta
Awesome post, Annie. God is working through some of His people (as another blog post by Leigh Delozier also showed us) to remind us to take our eyes off ourselves and place them on Christ instead. His unselfish love was given to us and this is what He wants us to give the world.
Annie Yorty
Thanks for visiting, Barbara. Don’t you love how God often coordinates messages through the various parts of the Body of Christ? I’ll need to head over to Leigh and check it out.
Maggie Rowe
Thank you for this thoughtful post, Annie. I’m actually touching on a similar subject at a writers conference this weekend. The late Tim Keller calls it the blessed freedom of self forgetfulness. I have always loved his definition of healthy self-esteem-not thinking too much of ourselves, or less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.
Annie Yorty
Maggie, thanks for sharing Tim Keller’s definition. We certainly are blessed when we can give up the desperate and futile self-obsession the flesh demands. I pray God uses your message for His eternal purposes.
Katherine Pasour
We are all called to serve. Annie, your message is so encouraging to help us answer the call. And you are such a wonderful role model. Thank you!
Annie Yorty
You’re very kind and encouraging, Katherine. Thank you!
JD Wininger
Amen Ms. Annie. Christ freed us for a purpose. His purpose. I think my greatest joy comes when I’m able to bless someone else through an act of kindness and caring. A simply act of showing someone you truly care about them can sure go a long way. Mama always taught me, “It’s a blessing to be a blessing.” All these years later, I find it so true. We get what we give. God’s blessings my friend.
Annie Yorty
You certainly are a blessing to me and many others, J.D. Your mama was right, and she raised you right too. Isn’t it funny how our perspective on service changes when our lives intersect with Christ? What a privilege we have to impact others for eternity in the power of Jesus. Thank you for visiting and adding to the conversation.
Maureen Miller
Thank you so much for this. There was a time where my focus was more on self, but Jesus set me free, reminding me that if I kept my eyes on him, he would enable me to walk in his ways and love people the way he desired. So thankful!!!
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Maureen, for visiting and adding to the conversation. It’s such a privilege to serve others in Jesus’ name. But we have no love to give without Him. I’m thankful to be in this family with you, Sister!
Leigh DeLozier
Thanks, Annie, for reminding us being able to serve God — in whatever way He calls us — is a gift. So many times, though, I find myself being like Moses and protesting that there’s no way God could mean for me to do the thing I think He’s calling me to. Fortunately, God is as patient with us as He was with Moses and can use people in mighty ways when we focus on Him instead of ourselves (and our shortcomings!). He’s such a good, good God. 🙂
Annie Yorty
Amen, Leigh! God knows it’s good for us to imitate Him by serving others. Thank you for visiting and adding your insights to the conversation.
Yvonne Morgan
Thank you for your wonderful message Annie. It is so important that serving others become part of our faith DNA. Too often, people want to tear each other down. This is another way we can be set apart as we take on the role of humble servant.
Annie Yorty
Yvonne, thanks for this great observation. Willingness to serve sacrificially stands out in today’s culture. I’m thankful God frees us to imitate Him in this way.
Sylvia Schroeder
Fixing my gaze! Thanks Annie!
Annie Yorty
Blessings to you, Sylvia!
Martin Johnson
Great post, I agree 100%, we need to be more others focused than focusing on our wants. jesus came to serve others.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Martin, for visiting and adding to the conversation. God empowers us to serve in His name.
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