Day 33......I serve God by serving others

I've got to tell you, one thing that totally annoys me is folks who can't keep their word. They'll tell you, "I'll be there at 3PM." But you know when they tell you that, it's going to be 4 or 5 before you see them, if they even bother to show up. They'll get mad if you call them to remind them, and may even scold you for doing so. To me, that ruins any testimony, and anything else they tell me. Because I cannot trust them in the little, why should I trust them in bigger things. Of course there are going to be times when you may not be able to make it on time, or you may have some circumstance that's kept you from doing something. Folks (I include myself here) don't mind if you call them and let them know you're running late, if you're truly apologetic. But if you make them feel that they should be happy you showed up at all, because after all, you're God's servant. You've lost all your clout with that person or family. You've showed them that you think you're more important than they are, and that you're word is worthless. I've heard it from folks over and over again. Servants of God who don't keep their word is a stain on all of us. We should do our best when we give our word, to keep it, no matter what. It should be rare that we don't keep our word, not rare that we do. A good way to check yourself on this point is go back and try and remember how many times you promised to be somewhere by a certain time, and how often you were on time. Don't get me wrong, I make my share of mistakes and I don't want anyone to feel "singled out" here. We are all different and stumble in different areas. I just wanted to share one area that really rubs me the wrong way, so to speak. I know many others feel the same way. Now for the biggie.........

"Which of the six characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?"

Oh my. (The six characteristics are in bold in this chapter 33 of the book.) I would have to honestly say two. I don't always do every task with equal dedication. And I can sometimes not maintain a low profile. I could honestly say I've failed in all six at one time or another. Probably more often than I'd like to think about. I am better in areas than I used to be. I know it's not about me at all. If it weren't me doing something, God would raise someone else up to do it. I am merely a servant here to fulfill God's will, not my own. I have trouble with that sometimes. As I believe most of us do. I'd like to tell you I say in every circumstance, and every decision, "Lord, not my will, but thine be done." I do more often than I used to, but not every single time. Sometimes I just really want my own way. Currently I have a decision to make, and I really want it to be what God wants, not what I want. His will, not mine be done. Please pray for me today. Thanks and God bless. :-) James