A Blueprint for the Christ Follower: Serve Unselfishly

When you give, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be secret. And your Father who knows all secrets will reward you.

Matthew 6:4

Christ’s kingdom calls us to a life of selflessness. Jesus told his disciples that anyone who would follow him would have to be willing to set aside their own ideas of satisfaction in order to follow the way of the cross.

Mary demonstrated this kind of self-sacrifice when she was told she would be the mother of the Messiah. She seemed to understand that this path would bring her trouble and heartache, but when the angel reassured her that God was using her to be part of His divine plan, she submitted. “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)

To be saved by Christ includes a call to serve beyond oneself. Christ’s selflessness in becoming human, suffering the indignity of living in a sinful world, and submitting to death on a cross for our sake was not intended to give us a life of personal leisure without concern for others. Our lives in Christ have meaning that goes beyond our personal benefit as we seek to be part of His greater plan.

Selflessness is a virtue deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves prioritizing the well-being of others, practicing humility, and demonstrating love through selfless actions. In His parable of selfless giving, Jesus chose the most unlikely example in the Samaritan who risked life and finances to save a Jewish victim. (Luke 25-37)

By reflecting on Christ’s example, cultivating humility, putting love into action, serving others, listening, practicing empathy, giving freely, forgiving, praying for selflessness, and seeking accountability, Christians can actively pursue selflessness in their daily lives. In doing so, they reflect the love of Christ and fulfill the Biblical mandate to love others above themselves.

For me, it means doing what you can, when you can and when you see a need that needs to be filled while doing so without expecting reward or the need to be recognized. The Holy Spirit will always place you in areas that need you to serve selflessly. All you need to do is ask (pray), and be aware of needs that are placed in your path daily. You won't have to look far!!!