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The Challenge to Serve

The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  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 12:25-26)

At times it seems like such a challenge to be a servant of the Lord.  As I look back over the years of my life I can see a roller coaster of passionate and dispassionate service to Him.  My days of visiting nursing homes, recovery centers and food shelters have for some reason come to an end.  My days of leading and participating in bible studies/home groups have ceased.  My desire to verbally share my faith in Christ has increasingly waned as well. 

My fire and passion for my web site is decreasing as well:  I open the 1999 Archive page and count 26 verse apps.  I open the 2000 Archive page and count 23 verse apps.  I open the 2001 Archive page and count only 5 verse apps year to date.  It’s a trend that concerns me. 

It’s all too easy to become complacent and a closet Christian, and quite frankly that’s the man I am right now.  I’ve allowed myself to be increasingly consumed with my own daily struggles, and have distanced myself from the struggles and concerns of others. 

However, I know I can recapture the passion of Christ if I reach out to Him.  His power is ever flowing for those who are willing to reach out and grasp it.  My arms have been folded for quite some time now, but I pray that someday soon they’re extended to Him once again.     

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