What exactly was the shame of the nation? Was it when the europeans came in and inhabited the land on which we now stand? Was it when Martin Luther King was murdered? Or was it when Bill Clinton issued his infamous words in regards to his relationship with Monica Lewinski?

Well, maybe we asked the wrong question. What we should have said was, who was the shame of the nation? Go on and give it a try!

Still unsure? No problem, check this out: https://youtu.be/txv0hUPW1_k.

Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let’s take a look at this week’s challenge! While it is centered around the shame of the nation, this week’s challenge is actually about serving others. We would say that the shame of this nation started when people forgot to show the love of Christ and began to only think about themselves. Would you agree?

Well this week we want you to take the focus off of yourself! Unlike Geoffrey, the Lord calls us to serve others. In fact, He lets us know in Hebrews 6:10 that He will never forget how we have helped others. Check it:

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

While Geoffrey served the Banks family well, he wasn’t always happy to be doing it. His wit and sarcastic remarks are what made his character so hilarious in the show. However, if we are being honest, he didn’t always have a servant’s heart as he tried to make Phillip Banks and the rest of the family understand how he felt. If you remember the episode where Geoffrey thought he had won the lottery, he was ready to tell everyone what he thought of them and let them know that he quit…but we know that wasn’t the case.

Geoffrey should be a prime example of what God calls us not to do. When we serve others, we must remember one of our key verses which is Matthew 25:40. Let us never forget that we serve God by serving His people. We love God by loving His people.

Let’s take the challenge a step further. Don’t just serve someone to do it. Instead, try serving someone with the intent to show them Christ. Maybe start with someone who doesn’t believe in Christ. Who knows, maybe the Lord will bless you in that moment to be able to share the Gospel with them and lead them to salvation. Maybe the Lord will cause their eyes to be opened to what it actually means to serve.

Maybe your community needs a little help. It could be as simple as picking up some trash on the side of the street. Maybe it’s making an effort to cut grass for the elderly in your neighborhood. Although today is the third day, take some time to pray and truly ask the Lord what He would have you to do in your community. You never know how He can use your willingness to not only change your life but the lives of others as well.

Once you have completed this week’s challenge, we want you share what you have learned with someone else. Encourage your friends and family to get out there and serve with you? Let them know how your actions impacted your life and what it did for the other person’s as well. The cards have been shuffled and the hand has been dealt, it’s time to play some blackjack!

Make Your Move