Serving others

Golden Rule Day

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

 
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”   Matthew 7:12

God is brilliant. Here Jesus gives us a proactive approach to Kingdom Living. Another way to guide us in our relationship with one another. Instead of making God, or the Law, or a Teacher the point of reference, HE makes our self the measuring stick.

Do for others what you would like to have done for you. In other words, treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Imagine if you took this approach today. How would your day go? Why not give it a try?

You may have a full day already planned, but others always have a way to interrupt you. So instead of quickly getting rid of them so you can complete your task, stop and focus on their situation. Ask yourself, or better yet, ask them how can you help them at the moment.

If driving to work and that car next to you wants to get in front of you, you know how that feels. How about deliberately slowing down? Wouldn’t you want someone to give you an easier opportunity to get over in a similar situation?

What if your co-worker enjoys a good cup of coffee like you do? Why not buy one of her favorites while you are pumping gas at the local convenience store?

Remember those early days when you were afraid to speak up in a meeting? What if at today’s meeting you noticed one of your quiet associates fidgeting? You know they have something to add but is always interrupted by more aggressive persons? Why not step in and directly ask him if he has anything to add to the conversation?

Someone may ask a favor from you today. Instead of weighting all the consequences and getting back with them, why not just jump in this time?

If you notice someone standing along and looking confused, don’t rush by them. Instead, take a minute and ask if they need any help.

If an elderly person enters the room and there are no more seats available, how about offering yours?

So why not make today a test day of practicing the golden rule? See how you can add value in another person’s life. It may be awkward at first. But with practice you will find yourself becoming more attune to the needs of others. You will learn the art of serving the Kingdom Way.

And who knows? You may even start a movement which impacts everyone in your corner of the world. Jesus did. And it is still going on.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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To Listen is to Love

Dr. Mike 2021, Life Tools , ,

The right word at the right time

    is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,

And a wise friend’s timely reprimand

    is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

Proverbs 25:12 (The Message)

God speaks to us through various means. As we hear or read HIS Word, the Holy Spirit may illuminate a portion of Scripture which becomes applicable to our recent prayer request. At other times, while in conversation with a family member or friends, words are spoken which likewise pertains to something that has been troubling us. As I grow older, I find myself more and more listening to others as they speak. Why? Because God may be speaking through them.

Knowing this, I find myself caring more for the person who is speaking. And by caring, I am listening intently to the person’s words, attitude, and actions. I find myself actually forgetting the self for a moment, and turning full attention toward the person. In hindsight, the person becomes my one-minute love interest.

The person could be a close friend or a total stranger. But as I listen, the person unconsciously becomes aware that someone else cares for them. In that minute, they experience the love of being a child of God and capture the value and worth of simply being human. Not because of their societal position, economic status, or public fame, but only because someone without selfish intent truly wants to hear and understand the person.

When someone in conversation hears the right word at the right time is like receiving a piece of fine jewelry as a gift. It comes as a total surprise. Yet its impact is a memory that lasts forever.

You may be that person who God speaks through for another. Or you may be the person who receives a needed word in a time of distress. Either way, when you learn to truly listen from a heart of love, you are sharing God’s love in the process. Just as God listens in love to our prayers, HE allows us to share in the same experience with others. To listen with love is a good way of sharing God’s heart with others.  

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

How Can You Best Serve God?

Dr. Mike Journey in Christ, Kingdom Actions, Kingdom Paradigms, Life Tools, Ministry

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord]. AMP.

Everyone has a master. This may be shocking for those who live in the “free world” where one boasts of their independence and freedom. Yet even in the countries of northern America or western Europe every person has a master. Most often their master is not the governmental system or leader but themselves.

The truth be told each one of us either serves our passions and dreams and desires rather than someone else’s dictates. Yet Jesus himself states that a person cannot truly serve two masters. One will be more effectively served than the other. So how do you know you are truly serving your Lord rather than yourself?

First there are those who serve Jesus for their own self-centered purpose. Generally, they want something and believe if they serve Jesus, he will grant them their wish. Then there are those who have emptied themselves from personal ambition and truly find joy serving Jesus without a personal agenda. These are the ones who have matured through life realizing the relationship with God is more valuable than any personal goal.

The first group looks for ways to “buy” God through favors by servicing others. The second group builds a relationship with God to become more aware of His presence and join him with their hands and feet in serving others. Typically, they don’t even know what they are doing and the impact their service for others mean. They simply and gratefully appreciate the opportunity to work along their Master.

Typically, the second group doesn’t look for additional work to perform for God. Instead they know God is already involved in the work they do; their service is to perform their daily routine for God’s glory. A mother or father caring for their children is already glorifying God through their loving responsibility for their children. The receptionist in the office is already serving God by being a joyful representative of His kingdom with everyone he meets. Likewise, the mechanic repairing the client’s automobile as if it was his own, being truthful and fair in the exceptional work they perform, is already serving God by witnessing His values before others.

The list is endless. We serve God best by doing what we do every day for His glory. When we exercise the gifts he has bestowed upon us into good, productive work, and perform our service for others in a saintly manner, being transparent and caring for their well-being, you are being a profitable servant introducing God’s kingdom to the world as His faithful witness.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-2019 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved