“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22:27
For Who is Greater?
The world has this idea that service is degrading. No one wants to do the dirty work, yet someone must step up. As a mom, it probably feels like this work is placed on you alone…day after day after day.
The good news is, you’re not alone.
Jesus lived a life worth copying in every regard. He came not to be served, but to serve. Jesus did not ask for His disciples to wait on Him. Instead, He asked them to sit as He willingly washed their feet.
That sacrificial serving that you do every day? Jesus understands. (He did it too).
You probably agree that being a mom means doing the dirty work. It means waking up early and going to bed late. It means soiled laundry, lots of dishes, and greasy hair. Motherhood means feeling like you have reached the breaking point, but still choosing to love your children and husband one day at a time.
Growing up, I did not always appreciate how much my mom served in our household. She did the dirty work, and she did not complain. Only now, recently having moved away, do I see how hard she worked—often with little reward.
Of course, service and sacrifice within motherhood look a bit different. Though you are serving in many ways, that does not mean you should feel sorry for assigning chores or holding your kids accountable to responsibilities.
But here’s the point: Though it is hard to serve with a good attitude, it is one of the best ways for you to connect with your kids and show them what it looks like to imitate Christ.
If you feel like your cheerful service is going unnoticed or unappreciated, know that you are following in your Savior’s footsteps. He notices that you are doing exactly what you are called to do.
Blessings and Love,
Samantha S.
Go Deeper:
- How do you react to the word “service”—positively or negatively? How do you think you can best serve your family?
What’s Next?
You are the hands and feet of Jesus, even when you feel like your work is small or unimportant, as you make dinner for your family at 8 o’clock at night or take the time to sit and listen to your daughter, sharing advice after she replays the story of her drama-filled day. Your service will help you connect with your children.
Remember that Jesus understands how difficult it is to serve faithfully—and with the right attitude. But also know that because He has done it before you, He knows exactly how to help you through as well.
Also, don’t forget to take some time away for yourself. Read a book for a few minutes, take a hot bath, or grab a quick coffee with a friend. You cannot be expected to continually pour into your family without ever taking time to refresh. Jesus went off to be alone in prayer—you need that time too.
I write a blog, InspiredAndAuthentic.com, where my hope is that you and me both would be inspired to live authentically – that we wouldn’t simply talk about our faith, but that our actions may speak just as loud as our words.
- An Example Worth Following - August 8, 2021
- For Who is Greater? - July 10, 2021
- The Season of Giving - December 1, 2018