A Lesson In Service

My father wrote this devotional yesterday.  It touched my heart so profoundly that I wanted to share it with my readers.  

Chapel Devotions, with Bishop Ron Estep
Doing What Is At Hand, As Unto The Lord:
Saved to Serve!

Ecc. 9:10 (NKJV) “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”

Col. 3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men.

In the south Bronx this week, a man was attacked by two Pit Bull dogs, and for over seven minutes, they tore clothes and flesh apart, as they dragged the man around in the street. Brave passerby’s put their lives on the line as they frantically tried to free the man from the dogs viscous attack! A local catholic priest, who was waiting on the man to do some work in his parish church, ran out into the street- just as the man was freed and struggling to get to his feet. The man was ashen in color, bleeding extremely from gashes in his neck and arm… with his arm needing a tourniquet very badly! The priest ripped off his clergy shirt and tied it around the man’s arm, as they prayed together and waited for the Ambulance.

Someone took a picture of the shirtless priest ministering and praying with this devastated man, and word began to spread through-out south Bronx, that they have a priest- that will literally take the shirt off his own back to help someone! Other news has emerged about this ministering priest: He had a cushy job at the Cathedral, but asked to be reassigned to a poor parish, where the needs dictate the plan, and not the plan dictating the needs!

Once there in the south Bronx, he walked twice a day through-out his assigned community, praying for God’s grace over them, and letting this hard pressed area know- through the silent witness of clergy-collar and cross, that God loved them, and he was available and on duty for them!

Little did he realize, how this prayer and commitment to serve- would be fleshed-out in the days ahead!

Neither greatness nor holiness, consist of doing exceptional things… they are made up of doing ordinary things heartily as unto the Lord! Letting the need dictate the plan, and our salvation’s gratitude- the motivation of our service!

Father, help us to surrender more to these opportunities of service, and less to the strategies of success, that have so saturated our Sanctuary’s, in Jesus name I pray.
+Ron

If we all could have the heart of this priest.  I passed this story by on social media.  I didn't take the time to read it until my father wrote about it. It gripped me with such conviction of what is important.  I love what Daddy (yes,that's what I call him even at 44...) says, "Neither greatness nor holiness, consist of doing exceptional things...they are made up of doing ordinary things heartily as unto the Lord!" 

Are we willing to give our brother or sister on the street all that we have?  Are we willing to humble ourselves to the point of being "naked" or "exposed" to save a life?  Are we willing to take a "lower position" in our career because our business is not us but others?  

So much to think about and time to examine our hearts and motives.  

Thank you Daddy for this Word, straight from the heart of God, I believe.

I want to serve this water town with such a heart.