Shine Like Stars: Devotions From Time of GraceSampel

An Attitude That Shines: God's stars think of others first

Every time I gas up my car, I get a little reminder of my sinful nature. Above the pumps it reads, "Self Serve." I love serving myself. I am endlessly fascinated by my own interests, appetites, and ideas. I love it when people do things for me. May I be frank? My agenda seems just so much more compelling to me than yours.

God's all-stars, though, do a 180°. Jesus said that he himself did not come to be served but to serve. St. Paul learned the joy of denying self and serving people, and he wrote, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).

You can start by practicing on the people you live with. You can shine your star-faith by listening to their stories, sharing some of their pain, and looking for things to praise. And then God's magic kicks in--you start feeling better about yourself. The very best therapy for depression is to do things to make someone else's life better.

You believe me? Call my bluff. Try it for a week.