In America we seem to be more focused on self than on service. We become antsy if the waitress does not keep our coffee cup filled, if we have to wait in a long line at the grocery store, if the car in front of us doesn't step on the gas as soon as the light turns green.
We are given to complain about our bosses; they don't give us enough recognition for what we have done for the company, if they are late coming to work or even if they don't ask for our input in a decision.
American pastors are often the brunt of complaints. He preaches too loud; he isn't loud enough; he does't control the deacons; he allows the deacons to control him. He is distracted when he talks to us. He never talks to us. He gets in our space. The complaints can be endless and brutal.
Let's not even discuss the complaints we focus on about our family members.
How often do we ask God to examine our own contribution to servicing others? We cannot trust our self judgement. But God will open our eyes to honest needs if we ask him (Colossians 3:22-25).
