What Can I Do For You?

Good evening family and friends,

I would like to share with you the lyrics to a Bob Dylan song, What Can I Do For You? that was shared with us in our staff meeting yesterday by our Financial Secretary, Glenna Huskey. I have been reflecting on the words to the song all day, and will continue to do so for the rest of the week. In our consumeristic society, we often ask "what's in it for me?". This spirit of selfishness has made its way into the Body of Christ. We ask that question when we worship. We ask it when we financially support the church. We ask it when we offer our time in service. Maybe we don't ask it outright, but if things don't go our way, or we run into a spiritual snag, the question has a way of creeping into our hearts.

Jesus never modeled the "what's in it for me?" lifestyle. He invited us into a relationship that honors humility, silences selfishness, and celebrates servanthood. He invited us to live into the question, "what can I do for you?"

Reflect on these words and ask, "God, what can I do for you?" "Neighbor, what can I do for you?" "Friend, what can I do for you?"

What Can I Do For You? by Bob Dylan from the album Saved:

You have given everything to me
What can I do for you ?
You have given me eyes to see
What can I do for You?
Pulled me out of a bondage and You made me renewed inside
Filled up a hunger that had always been denied
Opened up a door no man can shut and You opened it up so wide
And You've chosen me to be among the few
What can I do for You?
You have laid down Your life for me
What can I do for You?
You have explained every mystery
What can I do for You?
Soon a man is born, you know the sparks begin to fly
He gets wise in his own eyes and he's made to believe a lie
Who could deliver him from the death he's bound to die?
Well, You've done it all and there's no more anyone can pretend to do
What can I do for You?
You have given all there is to giveWhat can I give for You?
You have given me life to liveHow can I live for You?
I know all about poison, I know all about fiery darts
I don't care how rough the road is, show me where it starts
Whatever pleases You, tell it to my heart
Well, I don't deserve it but I sure did make it through
What can I do for You?

Loving Lord, forgive me for my selfish ways and seeking out ways to quench my own desires. Create in me a heart that is less focused on me, and more focused on You. Renew my sight to see the plight of those around me. Give me a clear purpose for serving those who do not know what You have done for them. Help me live into the question, "What can I do for You?" In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.