You in your small corner and I in mine.

Have you ever thought that just as unique is your fingerprint so is your calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 4:10, we read, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.”

Peter also emphasises what to do with whatever gift we have received. We must use it to serve others.  That’s our role. With this declaration Peter is merely echoing the instructions of Jesus to the twelve disciples.  He desires that disciples follow His example and are known for their service (cf. Luke 22:24-27).

Service offered out of love, from this point of view, isn’t just one of many elements of the Christian life; it constitutes it. Jesus is about to go to the cross for his disciples and for us and, at least in Luke’s Gospel, part of the reason is to teach us the nature of true greatness: it is being willing to serve those around us.

I found this surprising quote from Oprah Winfrey, “ I believe there's a calling for all of us. I know that every human being has value and purpose. The real work of our lives is to become aware. And awakened. To answer the call.” 

Perhaps it brings a new context to the hymn quoted earlier in the week, “you in your small corner and I in mine!”

Prayer: Dear God, remind us that greatness rests in service and that leadership resides in care and compassion, for you came not to serve but to be served and to set for us an example of a life lived in and from love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.