The needs of people around us are inexhaustible. Everyday marriages are crumbling right under our noses. Close friends struggle with addictions. Serious illness and death is a constant reality. And those of us inclined to be unselfish servants at times feel somewhat overwhelmed by it all. I have felt overcome by the darkness of the world we live in recently. I hate what has happened to close and long time friends. I finally realized today that perhaps I am more self centered than I once thought.

I can’t change anyone’s life. God causes the growth. I can do everything short of standing on my head to help another person, and the outcome may still be far less than ideal. Those of us in people helping professions are so inclined to put on our turn out gear and race to the fire. We get in rescue mode. We are going to save the person on the receiving end from certain destruction. I think I better leave the rescue work to my friends who are trained firefighters.

In light of that conclusion, I have a new philosophy of service. I need to assess what I am unable to do before I race into provide assistance. What are my limitations? Unfortunately such a practice has a very difficult prerequisite. It takes authentic humility. I must be humble in order to admit my limitations up front. Self-deception is not an option. I really have to be honest with myself!

There is a real irony in such a choice. When I admit my limitations, God is able to do more than I could have possibly imagined. In an atmosphere of humility, he assumes control. I relinquish control. The final outcome is better. Lives really are changed. God causes the growth.

There is an added benefit to my new philosophy of service. When the person I am serving self-destructs, I no longer shoulder all of the responsibility. My expectations are realistic. My efforts at service are done in a context of fitting boundaries. I can continue to serve without being overcome by the darkness that sin so eagerly provides. The needs of those around really are inexhaustible, so maybe self-imposed limitations and boundaries are not such a bad thing…