Sermon Illustrations

Contrasting Poems on Servanthood

Matthew 20:28 "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." If He came to serve, what must we do?

ILL.- “I gave a little party this afternoon at three—

’Twas very small

Three guests in all

Just I, Myself, and Me

Myself ate up the sandwiches

While I drank up the tea

And it was I

Who ate the pie

And passed the cake to Me.”

This is the way it is with most folks, but because we’re in Christ and Christ is in us, we’re supposed to think about others!

Years ago, the Salvation Army was holding an international convention and their founder, Gen. William Booth, could not attend because of physical weakness. He cabled his convention message to them. It was one word: "OTHERS."

Lord, help me to live from day to day

In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for others.

Help me in all the work I do

To ever be sincere and true

And know that all I’d do for you

Must needs be done for others.

Let "self" be crucified and slain

And buried deep, and all in vain

May efforts be to rise again

Unless to live for others.

And when my work on earth is done

And my new work in heaven’s begun

May I forget the crown I’ve won

While thinking still of others.

Others, Lord, yes, others

Let this my motto be,

Help me to live for others

That I may live like Thee.

From a sermon by Steve Shepherd, Memorial Day Observances, 5/31/2010

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