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One Who Serves
Author unknown
The present has been called the "me" generation.
Men and women of today seem to be preoccupied with self-satisfaction
and advancement. Jesus told his disciples that greatness in the
kingdom did not result from rank or privileges, but from the willingness
to lower oneself to the level of a servant.
In the church, true service often involves the
mundane and routine. The "greatest" servant is not necessarily the
one who gains recognition for his accomplishments. Rather, it is
the one whose faithful performance of what may be ordinary tasks
shows his commitment to Christ. Only Jesus can place a value on
the service He calls us to perform. However, the reward for leaders
or faithful followers is the same — partaking of the feast
at the Master's table.
The greatest example of servanthood was presented
by Jesus Himself when the Son of God performed the most lowly of
tasks. We may find it more glorious to say as Peter did, "I am ready
to go with you to prison and to death," but when it is time for
"foot-washing," are we carrying a towel or dangling our feet in
the bowl? ❦
Pet Buzzards .
. . . . . . . .Levi Sides
Animals are our friends. We have all kinds
of pets: dogs, cats, canaries, gerbils, monkeys, turtles, cows ...
even defumigated skunks.
People are often compared to animals. We say: "He's
like a big ol’ teddy bear... He roars like a lion ... He's
as mean as a snake... He's as stubborn as a mule ... She's as blind
as a bat." And on and on.
But no one wants a pet buzzard! Why? Because they
have a "buzzard personality." In appearance they are dull, scruffy.
They smell awful. So, watch your appearance.
Buzzards have filthy appetites. They feast on "stink."
So, watch what you "feed" on.
And buzzards don't sing. So, learn to sing the praise
of your friends. Take sunshine with you.
What does it take to have true friends? Look at
animals again. Why do we like them? Dogs are faithful, cats are
cute, canaries are bright and cheerful. Isn't that exactly how the
Bible teaches us to be? "A friend loveth at all times" (Proverbs
17:17). "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly..."
(Proverbs 18:24).
It is possible for us to have friends. But remember,
no one wants a pet buzzard!
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