The Urge to Serve Others at Whatever The Cost

Joseph Campbell believed that “a hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” It’s hard to be heroic except in the service of a heroic cause.

But serving the cause rather than oneself is vital. As Arthur Ashe noted, true heroism “is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

Where do we find the strength to serve a great cause with great courage?

I found an unusual metaphor in Scripture today. In Psalm 81, God tells his people, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it” (v. 10).

To obey this command, I must make four decisions: (1) I admit that I am hungry and need to be fed; (2) I will refuse all food except that which comes from God; (3) I will receive what he gives me by faith; (4) I will seek all he has for me.

What cause does God intend your life to fulfill? Whom does he intend you to serve today?

“My anchor holds within the vale”

A dear friend suggested this week that I read the fascinating story of Edward Mote.

Mote grew up in London, where his parents managed a pub and he played in the streets on Sundays. Nevertheless, he came to faith in Christ, then worked as a cabinetmaker for thirty-seven years. At the age of fifty-five, he became a pastor.

He served his congregation for twenty-six years. In gratitude, the people offered him their building as a gift. He replied, “I do not want the chapel, I want only the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that.”

Mote is best known today not for his preaching but for his hymn writing. Approximately one hundred of his hymns have been published. My favorite includes these lines:

When darkness seems to hide his face,
I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the vale.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Where do you need courage to serve Jesus in our “high and stormy” culture? Ralph Waldo Emerson was right: “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.”

Hang in there, knowing that Jesus is hanging onto you (John 10:29).