How may I serve you?

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. -Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

I was in the Chick-fil-A drive thru line the other morning, listening to the radio, and turned it down as I approached the intercom and food menu. I’m a creature of habit, and fairly predictable and consistent when it comes to what I like, so I already knew I was getting the Chicken, Egg, and Cheese Multigrain Bagel–highly recommended!–but I always substitute the regular chicken patty for a spicy one.

I thought it was going to be just another typical drive thru situation: I get asked what I want, I tell them, drive up, pay, receive my food, and go on my way. But something was different in the air this morning.

When I pulled up to the intercom, the order taker said, “It’s a great day today here at Chick-fil-A. How may I serve you today?”

I’ve heard that pretty much every time I’ve ever gone through the drive thru at any Chick-fil-A, but for whatever reason (we know Who was behind it!), “How may I serve you today?” struck me like a bolt of lightning.

Though we are to be servant-hearted and to follow the model of Jesus, the Servant King, it’s easy to forget that after we turn off the Christian music or leave church. It’s too easy to say that little unkind thing about someone, cut another driver off in traffic, or take a nasty attitude with someone.

God said to me that morning that every interaction I have with anyone should begin with my heart asking, “How may I serve them today?”

That’s not easy, especially with difficult people, is it? But Jesus dealt with and served far more difficult people than do we, and He gave the ultimate service to wash away our sins and secure our salvation.

So, that’s the challenge: before we act or speak to each person, have our hearts extend service to their hearts. It’s not about us. It can help them. But it’s all about Jesus.