Service for One
by Tina Yeager
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble …
For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved”
After checking into our writer’s conference, we ambled down nearby sidewalks to the tune of grumbling stomachs. My mystery author traveling companion wanted substantial calories, but I preferred lighter fare. Hunger growled louder with each step on our quest for the perfect restaurant.
“And where is Starbucks?” I raised my hands. “This is America, and I believe there’s a cultural law requiring one on every block.”
I was kidding. Sort of.
Despite my own desires, I considered my companion. Her level of hunger exceeded mine. I wanted her first experience at this conference to start out on a positive. Instead of sending her to find her own place to eat, I decided to continue walking with her even if it meant surrendering my preferences.
In the end, we found a chain that served both smoothies and heartier entrées.
As writers, we face a broad spectrum of opinions and preferences from fellow writers as well as our readers. In our hunger and thirst for divine messages, the inner growling can distort our perspectives and tempt us to desert one another over minor issues.
We must not dismiss His call to love during our mission as writers. Word-vessels should hold onto the Spirit of our Savior with the utmost tenacity. If we abandon love, we miss the entire point of sharing words (See 1 Corinthians 13).
Laying aside our preferences for others’ sakes proves a tiny concession compared with Christ’s sacrifice for us. With love at salvation’s core, we must cling fiercely to the Lord’s ultimate purpose rather than personal yearnings. May our lives and work seek “the good of many so they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:33).
I’ve witnessed God’s trustworthiness in working out differing needs when I focus on His love. Sometimes He even sweetens the outcome by allowing me a little foamy-swirled preference of my own.
Savior, thank You for laying aside your glory taking the form of a servant. Shape me into the word-vessel who seeks the good of others and lays aside my preferences. Help me fulfill Your loving nature as I serve Your Word. Amen.
Award-winning author, speaker, and licensed therapist, Tina’s passion is to offer encouragement through spoken and written messages. Unloveable, releasing 2019, champions women’s significance. She enjoys writing nonfiction and speculative fiction while coaching online clients. Tina mentors five chapters in four states with Word Weavers International. Come visit her for a virtual cup of java at tinayeager.com.
Thank you, Tina, for encouraging us to write for the good of others and for the sole purpose of glorifying our Heavenly Father.