Verses that keep me going - 1 Corinthians 15:58

General William Booth, the Founder of The Salvation Army, once sent a telegram to officers to remind them of the main focus of their work. The telegram only contained one word— “others.” That single word captured the foundation of their mission. 

It also captures the heart of Christians.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

It's easier said than done. We all have a built-in selfish nature that urges us to "look out for #1." We focus on getting our own needs met before we think about helping others. The apostle Paul admitted how hard it was to find unselfish workers. When he referred to Timothy he wrote:

I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:20–21

Even Jesus' disciples were self-focused, having arguments about who was the greatest. At one point James and John asked Jesus to allow them to sit at his right and left hand in glory. When the other disciples heard about it they were angry. 

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42–45

This was a lesson that had to be repeated more than once! At one time Jesus placed a child in front of them and said that they needed to humble themselves like a child. By this he meant that they should not want to be the one in authority. 

Although children have no authority, they are still basically selfish. They always want to have the best seat and to be first in line and to have the biggest piece... We tend not only to be selfish but also to be proud and want the best for ourselves. 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3–4

It's hard to serve others because we're often unappreciated. At times like that we have to remind ourselves that we're serving the Lord.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

And it will be God who will reward us. 

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

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.  Hebrews 6:10 

 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58