God's Glory Church

“So that your will does not become an occasion to please the flesh, but to serve one another with love.” — Galatians 5:13

When my uncle Emory passed away, it was a grand farewell. However, all this honor reflected one idea: Emory showed his love for God through service to others. Nowhere was this more evident than in the context of his military service as an orderly during World War II. He received high military awards for his bravery. But Emory is best remembered for his compassionate service, both during and after the war.

Emory’s dedication was in line with the apostle Paul’s call to the Galatians. He wrote: “For you, brothers, are called to free will, but that your will does not become an occasion to please the flesh, but to serve one another with love” (Gal. 5:13). But how? By our sinful nature, we are programmed to put ourselves first, not others. So where does this unnatural dedication come from?

In the Epistle to the Philippians, the apostle Paul encourages: “Have the same mind as in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). Paul describes Christ’s willingness to even endure death on the cross because of His great love for us. Only when His Spirit forms the mind of Christ in us are we set apart and enabled to sacrifice for others, reflecting the supreme sacrifice that Jesus made when He gave Himself for us. Therefore, let us follow the action of the Spirit in us.

When has someone sacrificed for you? How can you serve others, starting with your own family?

Loving Father, thank you for the perfect example of Jesus and His sacrifice. Please help me to have the mind of Christ.

Author: Bill Crowder