The Jackson 5 sang, “I’ll Be There,” a song about showing up for someone when they need you. As followers of Jesus Christ, that same idea belongs in the mix of our faith. We’ve talked about treating others the way we want to be treated, loving people well, and being accepting and welcoming. Now we add another essential ingredient: serving others. You were created by God and called by God to serve people, both those you understand and those you do not. If every Christ follower truly got the mix right, it would impact our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, communities, and even our country.

In Jesus’ day, Roman culture was built on status, power, and climbing the ladder. People found their identity in their position, wealth, influence, and title. But Jesus entered the world from the opposite direction. Though He was equal with God, He did not use His position for His own advantage. Instead, He humbled Himself, took the nature of a servant, and ultimately gave His life on a cross. Jesus introduced a completely different kingdom mindset. The world says climb higher; Jesus says go lower. The world says get ahead; Jesus says serve others. What is your mindset? Are you trying to ascend, or do you have the mindset of Christ in every relationship?

Jesus not only taught servanthood, but He also modeled it. During the Passover meal, knowing that all authority belonged to Him, He got up from the table, wrapped a towel around His waist, and washed His disciples’ feet. He took the position of a servant. He washed the feet of men who would betray Him, doubt Him, deny Him, and disappoint Him. That is the heart of Jesus. He did not serve people because they deserved it; He served because that is who He was. The challenge for you is the same. Can you serve people who think differently than you, hurt you, disappoint you, or fail you? A Christlike heart says, “I will go last. It’s not about me. I will serve.”

After washing their feet, Jesus told His disciples to do the same for one another. If He was willing to serve, then as His followers we must be willing to serve. If He respected people, we should respect people. If He welcomed people, we should welcome people. If He served everyone, we should serve everyone. Jesus promised that those who live this way will be blessed. In a culture obsessed with climbing higher and getting more, Jesus points to a deeper satisfaction that comes through humility, obedience, and unselfish love.

So where do you put this into practice? Ask yourself: Who will you serve? Where will you serve them? How will you serve them? When will you do it? Maybe it is a coworker, neighbor, student, friend, or family member. Maybe it means helping with a need, sharing a meal, giving encouragement, listening, or simply being present. Wherever you are, God has called you to serve. As followers of Jesus, we are called to go low, go last, and go love. The more you live this way, the more it becomes your mindset. And as you serve others and take the focus off yourself, you will discover the blessing that comes from saying, “I’ll be there.”

Scriptures— Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV); John 13:3-8, 13-17 (NIV); Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

Verses— In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Ph 2:5-8)

Questions— What does Jesus teach us about true greatness? Where is there pressure in your life to climb the ladder? How difficult is it to serve those who have hurt or betrayed you? Is there a specific person God may be prompting you to serve this week, and what could that look like?

Prayer— Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Help me each day to see opportunities to serve and to do so with love, patience, and joy. May my actions reflect Your servant’s heart and point others to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.