Putting others before yourself, Philippians 2:3-7

Today at noon, I was making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (better known as pbj's around here!) for the girls & myself to eat for lunch.  As I was smearing the peanut butter & jam on the bread slices, I thought about how much we need to go against our natures to serve others.  Our sinful, fleshly natures are always looking out to please "me, myself & I"!!!  Being transformed by the renewing of my mind goes against everything my flesh wants.  That is why we must rely SO much on the Holy Spirit for renewed strength each day. 

When we are single, we don't really think about how our lives should be of service to others.  Unless, of course, we are taught that way from childhood.  Then, when we marry, suddenly there is another person to think of & care for.  Then, with each child comes more of the responsibility of thinking of & serving others!  I've always tried to instill this in my dear children.  Whenever they help serve meals at our home, I always try to remind them how important it is to the Lord that we think of others before ourselves.  One way is to simply serve the food to everyone else & serve yourself last.  And when no one else is looking (or helping you serve) give the bigger serving (of cake or whatever), to your loved one instead of yourself.  God sees these small acts of kindness w/out any help from us announcing it to everyone in the room!  When we do it out of our sincere love & service to Christ, we are rewarded beyond measure!