Let’s continue with our study of R.I.S.K. The next element involved in this is found in serving others. That is what the “S” in R.I.S.K. represents.

Serving others without respect is something that most of us do every day. We do it without even thinking about it when it comes to our family and friends. There are times, more often than we like to admit, that it’s all about us. Everything we are doing is for one thing, self-gratification.

Some of us are rather good at making it appear as if we are helping other people. When, in fact, we are so busy manipulating and lying, that we begin to believe what we are telling everybody. Even those of us that are supposedly well intentioned, have something to hide. I know what you’re thinking to yourself right now. “Not me, I go to church every time the doors are open. I never miss an opportunity to help someone without expecting anything in return.”

I used to be one of those people. I would work my little heart out trying to help as many people as I could. All, so that I might get my name called out from the pulpit. Or at the least, strain my arm while trying to pat myself on the back for some good deed I had done.

I remember one time when I was out until four A.M. looking for a wayward member of the singles group I was leading. I told myself I was being a good lay pastor. I was going out and looking for that one lost sheep. But the reality of it was I was looking for another color to put in my coat of many colors so that all could see what I had done.

I know, some of you are asking what does this have to do with addictions or life-controlling problems. The answer is that addictions or whatever you want to call them are selfish. The attitude of an addict is, Hey, what’s in it for me?” or “When will I be able to get my next fix?”

In fact, when you think about it, this is what a lot of us like to do. I know, we change the vocabulary to justify it. We say things like, “I am storing up riches in heaven.” or “I am trying to help people so I can get more jewels in my crown.” Or my favorite one is this. “We need to pray for Sister Sally’s son. He’s out on a binge again and this time he took her whole Social Security check.”

Let me ask you a question; when was the last time you did something without expecting anything in return? Or better yet, here’s another question. When was the last time you helped someone, knowing fully well, they were using you, but you did it anyway?

That is what serving without respect means. It doesn’t matter what you can do for me or for that matter what you do to me. I have decided to serve you anyway. People think I’m crazy when they find out what I do for a living. I am able to do the things I do because I have come to the conclusion that people are going to use me. And I’m okay with that.

I’m OK with that, because all the while I am being used I am taking advantage of something myself. I’m taking advantage of every opportunity to serve them. And, I’m doing this without respect to who they are or what they can do for me. I am serving them based on the fact that God sees potential in them. And finally, I use this as an opportunity to teach the importance of serving others. Especially when there is no expectation of anything in return.

Question: What is something you can do this week for someone without expecting anything in return. Let’s get creative and think outside the box. State your intentions in the comment box, then come back afterwards and share what happened.

Blessings,

Mike