Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily DevotionalSample

The Wrong Kind of 'Martyr' We all know what a martyr is. We've all heard heartrending stories of heroic men and women who have died for Christ. But there's another kind of martyr who isn't courageous and noble, a great and constant sufferer who's always willing to share their pain with anyone who will listen. This martyr wants everyone around to know what sacrifices they're making in their life. The "martyr trap" is such an easy one to fall into. We start out serving our families and friends and loving it. But after awhile, our hearts begin to change and we begin to expect something in return. Eventually, we no longer have the heart of a servant. Our attitude sours, and we soon find out we've become mired in self-pity. We've become a martyr. The Bible says to give without letting "your left hand know what your right hand is doing." In other words, God wants us to serve and give without caring if people notice or recognize us. Have you fallen into the 'martyr trap'? If so, ask God to give you His heart so that you can give selflessly without a concern for recognition. Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, show me if I've fallen into the martyr trap. I want to have Your heart for service so that I can give to others the way You want me to, selflessly and with Your joy.