
A Lesson in Abundance
All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.—PHILIPPIANS 2:4 KJV
Our world encourages us to put our own needs before the needs of others. Fame, prestige, and wealth are of the utmost importance, we’re told. Taking care of another may not be “the right thing” to do.
Don’t buy into that mind-set. It’s not biblical. God wants us to serve with a willing spirit.
Jesus taught His disciples to serve others. In Matthew, He said, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:27–28 KJV).
And God wants us to serve all people—regardless of race, nationality, financial status, or reputation. At a time when it was taboo for Jews to associate with Samaritans, Jesus served the disreputable woman of that ilk at the well by speaking to her. Jesus served the “unclean” woman, who had an issue of blood, by healing her. He served a blind man, a leper, the thief on the cross. His life constituted the act of ministering to all people.
Service. That’s what the caregiver’s role is all about. Serving others. All others. It’s not always easy, it’s not always pleasant, but it’s what our Savior would have us do.
Do we want to live by the world’s standards or the Bible’s? Jesus taught that the most esteemed people in the world are not the strong and arrogant, but the most humble.
Dear Lord, please give me a servant’s heart today. Show me how I might reflect Your glory.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)