Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. (John 12:26)
I love peanut butter! Licked from a spoon, on crackers or bread, with or without jelly, creamy or crunchy, name brand or cheap, I love it! Peanut butter has accompanied me all over the United States and on several international mission trips. I don’t care that people claim every recipe I use contains peanut butter. I’m unperturbed that one friend refers to my homemade peanut butter cookies as hockey pucks. My culinary delight continues regardless of what anyone says and does. Given a choice between a lifetime of peanut butter and the greatest gourmet meal? No contest—peanut butter reigns!
If only I offered such unwavering devotion to the Lord.
Jesus made his expectations clear: consistent and wholehearted service—nothing interfering and nothing held back. We’re to follow his teaching as enthusiastically at work as in a worship service, at the mall as in Sunday school, with family as with children in vacation Bible school. Our attitudes should reflect Jesus no less with that cranky acquaintance than with our spiritual mentor. Jesus offered uncompromising love regardless of the words, actions, or attitudes of others. His life remains our model.
Just as I spread a hearty helping of my favorite food on a regular basis, let’s spread the message of our Savior to a world starving for spiritual food that lasts.
Devote some personal time today to a new ministry opportunity.
Diana C. Derringer teaches Sunday school and serves with her husband as a friendship family to international university students.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
