True sacrifice

For the work of Christ [Epaphroditus] came close to death, not regarding his life. — Philippians 2:30

Teenagers amaze me. So many of them love life with grand passion and face it with unrelenting optimism. Sometimes they demonstrate the Christian life in ways adults can only hope to emulate.

Such is the case with Carissa, a teen who loves soccer, basketball, friends, family and Jesus. In 2000, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Carissa was just 12 years old, but she began helping to care for her mom.

During the next few years, Carissa often fed her mom, dressed her, and helped her do anything she couldn’t do for herself. "It was so hard to learn," she said. "Can you imagine, a mother and daughter literally changing roles? I truly learned to be a humble servant."

Sometimes, while her friends were out having fun, Carissa was helping her dad to take care of her mom. She continued to do so until the summer of 2004, when Carissa and her family said goodbye to Mom for the last time. As Carissa puts it, "God took her home and made her perfect."

Carissa reminds me of Epaphroditus, who sacrificially cared for Paul’s needs (Phil. 2:25-30). What examples of caring, love, and compassion! Not all of us, of course, could set aside our lives to give as they did. But their sacrifice can teach us all about the value of servanthood.

— Dave Branon

True greatness does not come to those

Who strive for worldly fame;

It lies instead with those who choose

To serve in Jesus’ name. — D. De Haan

READ: Philippians 2:17-30

When you do little things for

others, you do big things for Jesus.

 

The Bible in one year:

• Deuteronomy 28-29

• Mark 14:54-72