“Sometimes people say, ‘It’s not about you; it’s about others.’ That’s not wrong, but it does’t go far enough. I don’t think it’s even about others; it’s about Jesus. It’s all about Him (emphasis author’s).”- Banning Liebscher
“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ “- Luke 17:10 (ESV)
Banning Liebscher concludes Chapter 9 of Rooted as he presents two ways we step into greatness, leadership, and royalty that God’s placed on our lives:
- we look for opportunities to love and serve people– as a result, we increase our capacity to love and serve. Bill Johnson, senior pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California, adds: “Any increased blessing in your life is so that you can better serve others.”
- one goal, our desire to love Jesus, defines our attitude and motivation– in Luke 17:10, Jesus doesn’t imply that good servants don’t deserve thanks and praise. Rather, He addresses their attitude and motivation. Good servants don’t serve for, or need, thanks and praise. Hence, at the end of the day, our service represents a gift we give God.
In conclusion, Pastor Liebscher continues:
“When we’re serving God, we don’t care if other people notice. We don’t need them to thank us. We want to love Him. He told us the way to love Him was to serve, so that’s what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. We serve as a gift to Him, not to be seen by others.”
And, Banning underscores, the praise and thanks of people never truly satisfies us. Because people aren’t the One we desire to please.
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you remember that it’s not all about you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: A posture of humility releases grace”
