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We live in a world that encourages selfish attitudes and desires. When was the last time you heard someone say, “It doesn’t matter what I want, what you desire is more important to me.”? More often, it’s more along the lines of “Me, me, me” and “I, I, I” However, Jesus came to set us free, and in doing so, He set a different example for us. So today, let’s dive into what it means to truly live a “Not My Will But Yours Be Done” lifestyle.
1. Cultivating a Servant’s Heart
We aren’t born with a servant’s heart. It is something that has to be cultivated and taught. We live in a fallen world full of sin. We all have a sinful nature until we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
This is why we see that even toddlers naturally learn the word mine. We have to teach them to share with others and to give.
In the same way, we must allow God and His word to teach us to serve and give as well. This heart change comes from a renewed mind (Romans 12:2) and a reborn spirit (Romans 10:9 and John 3:6-7).
We must learn to be servants of the Lord. Only when we commit to serving others, do we find true freedom in life.
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 NKJV
2. God’s Desire for Women in Marriage and Motherhood
As women, we have been created to serve. I understand this may not be a popular concept, however, it is God’s intent for women. It is our purpose. In the very beginning, we see that God created Eve to be a help meet to Adam.
And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Genesis 2:18 NKJV
God’s desire for the Christian woman is to find fulfillment in serving Him and serving others. For those who are unmarried, that is the sole purpose of that season. His desire for married women and mothers of young children is to find fulfillment in serving God, our husbands, and children.
Seasons change. Those unmarried will often get married and those who are mothers of young children will one day become empty nesters. However, regardless of the season we are in, there will always be someone for us to serve.
What Does it Mean to Serve Others?
The word serve means to “perform services or duties for someone else”. It also means “to work for”. (Oxford & Cambridge Dictionaries)
We must live in surrender which means that we are willing to lay ourselves and our desires down in order to be obedient to the Lord. We must be ready to put the needs of others before our own.
However, in order to do this effectively, we must first ensure that we ourselves are full and equipped by God. This comes with spending time with God each day, reading His word, praying, and taking care of ourselves with proper rest and nutrition. That is how we can prepare for duty with a joyful heart.
It is hard to do this when you’re burned out. So, what adjustments do you need to make so that you can better serve the people around you?
3. Not My Will But Yours Be Done: Jesus Set the Example
You may be thinking this is a difficult or undesirable role to play in life. However, Jesus came and set an example for us. He Himself was a servant on earth even when He clearly deserved to be worshipped and treated like the King He is!
He taught the importance of being a servant. It is our job to trust Him and be obedient.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 NKJV
Imagine, being royalty, yet choosing to be beaten and crucified to save the lives of people in the world- many of which hate you and do not care about you. That’s a true servant’s heart! If Jesus can lay His life down, quite literally, then we can surely lay our lives down in obedience to what God is asking us to do. Not my will But yours be done, Lord!
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 1 Timothy 2:5-6 NKJV
Don’t Lose Your Life Trying to Do Things Your Way
We all have a choice. We can do things our way or we can do things God’s way, but it’s a fact that God’s way is the best. When we get in line with the Creator of the universe, that’s when true joy, peace, fulfillment, and freedom can flow in our lives.
You may think that serving your husband, spending hours training your children, or cooking and cleaning are in vain. They are not. That is purpose at its finest. We as believers, cannot allow the fallacies of this world to be projected onto us. The world doesn’t do things God’s way, so what the world tells you about womanhood is wrong!
Here is what Jesus said:
Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. Luke 17:33 KJV
There will be a reward in the end if we will only surrender. We must lay it all before the Lord, pick up our cross, and follow Him, no matter the cost. There are times when it may not be easy, it may even be difficult at times, but it will be worth it!
If we only focus on living for ourselves and what we want to do with our lives, we will lose the spiritual dimension and benefits of our life. Only when we live a life of surrender will we reap benefits that last in eternity.
Let’s be driven by eternity. One day we will have to give an account to God for how we used our time on earth. Would you be proud to tell Him that you abandoned His plan to do what you felt you wanted to do for yourself because it was your life? I think it would be a much better experience to review all the ways you served others in your life, just as He instructed you to do.
Thanks for this great encouragement!
I’m so glad you were encouraged!