SERVANTHOOD IS NOT . . .

Read:

"People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart." (Proverbs 21:2 NLT)

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Bible in a year: : 2 Chronicles 10-12

Thoughts for Today


Wrong motives for serving others can come from an unhealthy view of ourselves. We may become enmeshed with a spouse, family member, or friend to the point we believe they will not survive without us. We try to be their savior.



Although we may not be aware we are serving others to make ourselves feel better about ourselves, this type of thinking and behavior is common and can develop into a cycle of codependency and enabling.




Consider this ...




A major aspect of codependency is the desire to change another person in a way that only God can. We come to believe we will eventually succeed in changing a friend or loved one's behaviors and choices that keep getting them into undesirable circumstances. Enabling is rescuing people repeatedly instead of allowing them to experience the consequences of their behavior-consequences that could encourage them to change. Codependency and enabling can become addictive in the sense they are hard to stop. Feelings of guilt can develop from within, and a sense of intimidation by the person we are trying to help may develop.



Do you see yourself in any of these pictures? If so, you may find yourself thinking something like this:




I am compelled to be helpful to others in a way that makes me feel good. I often prefer to please someone rather than consider if what they want is reasonable or wise.




As today's scripture teaches, you may think you are doing the right thing . . . but God sees your heart. He wants only the best for you and for the person you are trying to help. Are you ready to serve his way? Tomorrow we will look at what true servanthood is.

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Living Free Every Day® is a ministry of livingfree.org

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