Out of Service
I have a cool blouse I bought last year. It’s got a lanyard-like necktie that says, “Out of Service.” When I saw it in the store, I felt like the blouse said, “Take me home with you.” So, I did.
Out of Service. Isn’t that how much of the world is right now? Restaurants, salons (my roots!), entertainment venues, all Out of Service. Moms and dads sharing space day-in and day-out with kids want to put up a sign at the end of each day: Out of Service.
Look at this text from the first Easter:
“Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” - Mark 16:8
I hate the way the women were depicted, and worse, the way they were “out of service.” I’m freaking out. I know I’ve been told what to do, but I just can’t. Run for cover!
Now, in the very next verse, Mark writes:
“When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.” - Mark 16:9-11.
Now, here’s the next predicament. Mary Magdalene kicks into gear. She’s like, “Once upon a time I was ruled by demons. I know what it’s like to get knocked down and get up again.” And yet, she wasn’t taken seriously. Her words fell flat. That’s enough to make even a passionate person say, “Forget about it!” then post that sign: Out of Service.
However, Mary did exactly what Jesus asked her to do. She went. She told. Regardless of the outcome. She did it out of service.
Did you see what I did there?
You can look at this phrase, “Out of Service” and see a reason to bow out, or you can see this phrase as a reason to opt-in.
Out of service, I reach out.
Out of service, I give.
Out of service, I stretch myself.
Out of service, I obey.
Out of service, I love.
We get to choose how we see this time. Which viewpoint will you choose?
I’m real because God is so real.
~ Nancy
CALLING
Ask God, in what ways can I serve today? Seriously. Ask Him, and I promise you, He’ll show you.
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