I have never seen this verse more clearing and consistantly followed than here in Israel with those I live around. It is constantly amazing to me the different lives that are lived here, yet with people still being people. The three families I am working for are always thinking of others. Schedules are put aside, for people. Dishes are left undone in order to meet the needs of people. Food and toys are freely shared so that people feel loved and cared for, even when the time to share them is not always convenient. Now this may not sound like much, and you may think, "I do that too, sometimes." But I am serious when I say that these amazing friends live this way all the time. They have learned more than I have about the joy found in living for the Lord first, then others, then themselves. As my Mama likes to say, "True joy is spelled J-O-Y. Jesus - Others - You. Always put the Lord and others before yourself and you will find true joy, living like Jesus." Last night I was once again included in a family dinner. Afterwards, when I went back to my room and checked my phone messages, one of the other families had invited me over for dinner as well. I want to learn to care for others like these families do.
Jesus said, in John 13:15, "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." Jesus has just washed the disciples' feet and was illustrating what true servanthood really looks like, but this verse, I think, applies to all that Jesus said and did. He is our perfect example. What a lot of learning and change I have left to do!
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