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A Servant’s HeartI’m not perfect, in fact, I’m far from it. But I know to whom I belong. And I know where my blessings (and talents) come from. And I really want to be a blessing to those I serve. I truly enjoy what I do (and I’m not referring to design). I help others — in this case, I help them grow their businesses. It blesses me to have the privilege of doing that and I hope my clients know how much I take that privilege to heart. I answer to a higher power (yes, even higher than the clients’ who hire me). It’s my responsibility to do the job God has entrusted me with to the best of the abilities and talents He has given me. Rick Warren, a noted Pastor and author of our times, wrote a blog post in February, 2013. It sums up the philosophy that I do my best (even when work is piled up around my ears) to adhere to in these bits of wisdom I’ll share here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Our blessings should flow to others. The Bible teaches us that we are blessed not just so that we can feel good, not just so we can be happy and comfortable, but so that we will bless others. God told Abraham in Genesis 12:2, “I will bless you … and you will be a blessing” (NIV). This is the first law of blessing: It must flow outwardly. How do you bless others? By serving a need, whether it is physical or emotional support, financial help, or practical advice. “Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand” (Philippians 1:4 MSG). 2. When we bless others, God takes care of our needs. God promises that if we will concentrate on blessing others, he’ll take care of our needs. There’s almost nothing that God won’t do for the person who really wants to help other people. In fact, God guarantees this blessing. In Luke 18, Jesus says, “I guarantee this. Anyone who gives up anything for the kingdom of God will certainly receive many times more in this life and will receive eternal life in the next world to come.” When you care about helping other people, God assumes responsibility for your problems. And that’s a real blessing, for he’s much better at handling your difficulties than you are. 3. Our blessings to others will come back on us. The more you bless other people and the more you help others, the more God blesses your life. Luke 6:38 tells us, “Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back — given back with bonus and blessing” (MSG). You cannot out-give God. The more you try to bless other people in the world around you, the more God says, “I’m going to pour blessings out on you. We’ll play a little game here. Let’s see who will win. Let’s see who can give the most. The more you bless others, the more I’m going to bless you in return.” 4. The more we’re blessed by God, the more he expects us to help others. Jesus said it this way in Luke 12: “Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given” (GNT). We are blessed to be a blessing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Now, I understand this message isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok. If you found yourself here, thanks for reading and allowing me to share a bit of my heart with you. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! Psalms 34: 1-3 (ESV) Sincerely, Chip |