Women of the
bible
“Lydia”
Bible
reference:
Acts 16:14-15 -
She is mentioned in Acts 16:40
Lydia’s
Background:
She was sort of a business woman, she sold purple
cloth in the city of Thyatira.
She was a worshipper of God, but most importantly
she was also a servant.
The
connection:
It is
impossible to love God and live for him without having at least the slightest
compulsion to serve others. Lydia had the heart of a servant, which I believe
was derived from her place of worship. Worshiping God is an act of servitude in
itself, because each moment that you do it you are pushing YOU further away
from the spotlight. Worship is selfless. Lydia was a worshipper, which I
believe put her heart in a place of absolute servitude. Once you really see God
for who he really is , once you gaze at his magnificent beauty and power , you
are really compelled to “put your hands to the plow” and serve. Now this
doesn’t mean that you should go out and get involved in every charity,
ministry, etc to prove that you are serving or to make yourself feel better
about being a servant. But you should first seek the Lord and ask him what he
would like for you to do. Most times you really don’t have to ask the Lord, you
just jump in where you are needed.
Lydia’s
act of servitude:
Acts 16: 15
Lydia displayed her heart to serve when she
willingly accepted Paul and Silas into her home.
Reflection
Questions:
What does it means to serve?
In what ways do you serve others?
In what ways do you serve God?
List a few ways that you can better serve God and
others?
Personal
prayer:
Lord, I desperately want a heart to serve others. I
want to serve them willingly and freely with no arterial motives. Lord place in
me the desire and the will to want to serve others and serve you more
effectively. Help me to notice opportunities where I can be of service to your
kingdom and your people. God, I ask that you would allow me to be a light in
this dark world, allow me to show forth your love through service. Help me to
be the leader you have called me to be in every area of my life. In Jesus Name AMEN.
