Day 21

21 - SHARING WITH OTHERS

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

1 Peter 4:10

What was the first word you spoke? More than likely, your first word was either “mama” or “dada.” Not long after that, though, I bet you learned to say “mine.” Because we are all born with a sin nature that we inherited from Adam, we are all born selfish. What is natural and normal for us is to think about ourselves before we think about others. We think about what we want. We think about what will make us look good. We think about what is in our own best interests. It is natural, even expected in our cultural, for us to put our interests ahead of the interests of others.

Let me give you a personal example. I’ve ordered a lot of pizza in my life. I’ve eaten a lot of pizza in my life. After many years as a youth pastor, small group leader, and father of six kids, I’ve probably ordered thousands of pizzas. And when it comes to pizza, and looking out for my own interests, I’ve got a dirty little secret to tell you. When it’s time to dish out the pizza, what might appear on the surface as an act of service is in reality an act of selfishness. You see, as the leader and “servant,” I’ll take responsibility for dishing up a slice of pizza for everyone else before myself. However, the moment that pizza box is opened, my eyes have spotted the primo piece of pizza… the biggest, cheesiest, pepperoniest (is that even a word?) piece with the perfect crust. As I dish out the pizza, I make sure that piece is left for me. Sinner!

One of the things every parent wants their children to learn how to do is to share with others, be unselfish and be generous. It’s the same with our Father in heaven. He wants His children to learn how to be gracious and generous.

Read Acts 2:42-47.

• List all the ways that you see unselfishness being demonstrated by the early church.

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We demonstrate unselfishness when we generously give to help others in need. God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others. Is there someone in need that God has put on your heart? How could you be a blessing to them?

Read Romans 12:3-8.

• God has given each of us gifts. Who are they meant to benefit?
• Which of the gifts Paul that mentions to you think God might have given to you?

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Read Romans 12:9-18.

• After detailing the gifts God has given us to serve with, he then outlines the attitude we are to serve with. Which of these statements stands out most to you right now?

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We demonstrate unselfishness when we use the talents and abilities God has given us to serve others and build them up in their faith. God has uniquely gifted each of us to make a necessary contribution to the lives of others. As you consider how God has gifted you, is there someone or some way that you believe God wants you to serve?

Read Romans 10:13-15.

• What is the greatest need others have that God has given us the ability to meet?

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The Apostle Paul states the obvious. People need to hear the gospel. They can’t hear though unless someone tells them. Who do you know that needs to hear of God’s love, Christ’s death, the freedom of forgiveness and the gift of eternal life?

When I fail to tell someone about Christ because the timing is inconvenient for me, or because I think they’ll reject me, it is the ultimate act of selfishness. I’m putting my desire for comfort or acceptance above their need for Jesus. Just like my pizza confession, I must also confess that I have been selfish with the gospel more times than I care to admit.

We demonstrate unselfishness when we freely share the good news that has changed our life with others who need to hear it. God has given us a story to tell. Our story. His story. The message of reconciliation. We are His ambassadors!

• What can you do today to share Jesus with a spiritually lost friend?

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Apart From Him…

• Thank the Father that He has given you a new heart filled with His love and grace. He has given you the ability and the capacity to love others.

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Walking As Jesus…

• Of giving generously, serving with your gifts or sharing the good news, which is the greatest challenge for you? Ask the Father to give you an opportunity to demonstrate unselfishness in that way today.

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• My Personal Disciple-Making Plan: