I once heard a preacher say, "The opposite of love is not hate--it's self!" That surprising statement reminded me of 2 Timothy 3:1-4, where Paul listed the signs of the endtimes. One of those signs is people who are "lovers of themselves" (v.2). In sharp contrast to these self-saturated people are those whose lives are saturated with the servant attitude of Christ.

When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He gave us an example to follow (Jn. 13:15-17). We too are to serve others selflessly.

That was the heart of what General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, said just before He died. His little mission to the poor of London had spread across the world. His "soldiers" were gathered together at an international convention. General Booth had intended to be there to deliver the main address, but because he became ill he was unable to come. Those at the convention longed to receive a message from their beloved leader. So from his sickbed Booth dictated a one-word telegram that would be his last sermon. His final message was this: "Others!"

If we had to give our last word today, what would it be--a self-word or a servant-word? The time to decide is now, while we can still change.  — Joanie Yoder