Every day presents the same question: Will I focus on myself, or will I look for ways to serve others?

Jesus didn't just teach about serving. He lived it. These next five days will help us examine our hearts, notice the needs around us, and take practical steps toward becoming more like Him.

Day 1 — The Question Behind Every Day

Scripture

Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection

Every day starts with a choice. We can move through our day focused on what we need, what we want, and what others can do for us. Or we can adopt the mindset of Jesus.

Jesus had every reason to expect others to serve Him, yet He chose the opposite path. He entered every situation looking for ways to help, encourage, and care for people. Following Jesus means learning to ask a different question each day: How can I serve today?

Questions

When I start my day, what am I usually focused on?

Do I naturally think about serving others?

What would change if I began each morning with a servant mindset?

Who might need encouragement from me today?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the example of Jesus. Help me begin today with a heart that looks beyond myself. Show me opportunities to serve and give me the courage to respond. Amen.

Day 2 — Seeing What Others Miss

Scripture

Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Reflection

Jesus noticed people.

He saw the hurting, the overlooked, and the struggling. While others often rushed past, Jesus paid attention. One reason serving can be difficult is that we're distracted. We can become so focused on our own schedules and concerns that we miss the needs right in front of us.

Today, ask God to help you see people the way Jesus did.

Questions

What distractions keep me from noticing others?

Who around me may need support right now?

How can I become more aware of the needs around me?

What is one need I can respond to today?

Prayer

Breath Prayer

Breath Prayer:

As you move through your day, ask God to help you notice people with His eyes.

Inhale: Jesus
Exhale: Help me see people

Day 3 — Let Compassion Move You

Scripture

Philippians 2:5–7 (NIV)

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

Reflection

Seeing a need is only the beginning.

Jesus didn't just notice people—He cared deeply about them. Compassion moved Him toward people instead of away from them. Sometimes we protect ourselves from feeling too much because life is busy or overwhelming. But a servant's heart remains open.

Ask God to help your heart stay soft toward the people around you.

Questions

Do I tend to move toward people or away from them when they are struggling?

What keeps me from caring deeply at times?

Who needs compassion from me this week?

How has Jesus shown compassion to me?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for caring for me when I needed You most. Give me a heart that reflects Your compassion. Help me love people in practical ways this week. Amen.

Day 4 — Love Takes Action

Scripture

Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

Reflection

Biblical love is active.

It's easy to agree with the idea of serving. It's harder to take action when it's inconvenient, unnoticed, or uncomfortable. Yet that's exactly what Jesus did. Love doesn't stop with good intentions. Love moves toward action.

What's one thing you've been meaning to do for someone that you've been putting off?

Questions

What practical act of service comes to mind right now?

What's stopping me from doing it?

How can I show love through action today?

Who could benefit from a simple act of kindness?

Prayer

Breath Prayer

Breath Prayer:

When you notice a need today, use this prayer before you respond.

Inhale: Servant King
Exhale: Help me take action

Day 5 — Becoming Like Jesus

Scripture

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."

Reflection

The goal of following Jesus isn't simply knowing more about Him.

The goal is becoming more like Him.

A servant's heart doesn't develop overnight. It grows through daily choices to notice, care, and act. Every opportunity to serve is an opportunity to reflect the character of Jesus. Small acts of love can have a lasting impact.

This week, don't measure success by what you accomplish. Measure it by how faithfully you loved and served others.

Questions

What have I learned about serving this week?

Where have I seen opportunities to grow?

How has Jesus served me throughout my life?

What is one servant-minded habit I want to continue practicing?

Prayer

Father, thank You for serving me through the life and sacrifice of Jesus. Continue shaping my heart to look more like His. Help me love people through my actions and reflect Your goodness wherever I go. Amen.

As you move through this week, remember that every day brings opportunities to serve.

If you're in Tallahassee, we'd love for you to join us Sunday as we continue following Jesus together and learning how to live like Him.