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Develop a servant's heart by learning to see needs around you in this challenging episode of Start Small. Based on Philippians 2:3-4, we explore how thinking about others is countercultural yet essential for Christ-like service. Moving from acts of service to the mindset behind them, we discover why intentionally considering others' interests prepares us to serve well and reflects Jesus' heart.
What You'll Learn:
The Cultural Dilemma: We live in a culture screaming "It's all about me!" Everything reinforces this: follow your dreams, do what makes you happy, put yourself first, you deserve it, look out for number one. The result? A society of deeply self-focused people thinking about their needs, rights, preferences, comfort, and success. But if we're going to be like Jesus, it can't be all about us—it needs to be all about Him, and we show this by considering others.
Why This Is Hard: Thinking about others doesn't come naturally. Our brains are wired to prioritize our own needs—a survival mechanism. Plus, we live in a world constantly demanding our attention: notifications, to-do lists, deadlines, problems, people wanting things. It's easy to get so caught up in our own lives that we completely miss what's happening around us.
Paul's Instruction: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Notice: not "ignore your own interests" but "not ONLY your own interests." You still care for responsibilities, family, health, work—but don't stop there. Also consider what others are going through and how you can help.
What Considering Others Looks Like: Paying attention—really listening, not just waiting for your turn to speak. Asking questions: "How are you really doing? What's been hard? Need help with anything?" Observing—noticing if people are stressed, tired, overwhelmed, struggling. Thinking ahead—asking your neighbor if they need groceries before you go, checking if a coworker needs help, making extra dinner for someone going through a hard time. Being interruptible—willing to pause your plans when someone needs you.
Inviting God to Open Your Eyes: God can help you see needs you'd otherwise miss. When you ask Him to show you who needs help, He will—bringing people to mind, creating opportunities, giving divine appointments. But you must ask, invite Him into the process, and be ready to respond when He prompts you.
This Week's Small Step: Ask God to reveal someone who needs your help today. Pray: "God, who needs me today? Who can I serve? Open my eyes to see needs around me." Then pay attention—who comes to mind? Who do you encounter? What opportunities present themselves? When someone comes to mind, reach out. When you see a need, step in. Make this a daily practice.
Perfect for anyone struggling with self-focus, wanting to develop servant-mindedness, learning to notice needs, or seeking to be more like Jesus in daily life.
Scripture Focus: Philippians 2:3-4 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Service
