My husband and I rode bikes yesterday on a beautiful, sunny, fall day. It was exhilarating and fun–just he and I–no littles to watch out for. In fact, our kids are nearly grown and we are close to entering a brand new “kidless” chapter of life. So far, it’s not so bad.

As we peddled furiously, trying to keep up a pace that would burn calories and improve our cardiovascular fitness, I thought of all the miles we had logged over the years with little ones in tow. What a challenge it was. As the mom, I was the one who usually lagged behind to help the kiddos when they toppled over, got frustrated with being left behind or…simply got tired of riding, at which point I would beg them to keep on peddling for just a few more minutes. As you can imagine, I rarely achieved a decent workout. Thankfully, I went into the activity with the goal of family bonding–simply wanting the kids to enjoy nature and improve their blossoming bicycle skills. My husband, however, was there to exercise. He was often yards ahead, focusing on the next checkpoint and racing to get there.

Once in a while I would snap my husband back to parenting reality and yell for him to stop and collect one child or another who had fallen behind on a big hill, or who had dislodged their bike chain. Sometimes it was to referee a squabble as one child zipped in front of another causing him or her to crash.

The point is, if my husband or I viewed our family bike ride as an opportunity for a strenuous workout, our self-centered mindset only led to frustration and discord and the activity failed miserably. On the other hand, if we went into it with the goal of having an enjoyable family adventure and bonding time, putting our own personal agendas aside, then it was inevitably a success!

Such is life. It is not meant to be lived in a self-focused manner. Much to the contrary, it is to be lived in a way that aides and benefits others. A life lived solely for the improvement and elevation of self is a wasted life, especially for the Christian. We need to be looking over our shoulder always–stopping to help those whose chains have fallen off, or who just can’t make it up that hill–setting our personal agendas aside and meeting the needs of others.

There is much unexpected joy in such a journey!

Jesus, of course, was the ultimate example of putting others first as he washed the feet of his disciples and lived a life of servanthood and humility. Finally, giving His very life for us on the cross at Calvary.

What, or who, are you living for? Look around you. There is a whole world out there that needs to see the love of God in human form. What value is there in racing to the finish line (of life) as the wreckage of the fallen and broken lay behind you?

Let’s never forget that we, as Christians, are to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the short time we have on this earth. Let’s adjust our priorities this week to do just that. Are you in? The band Audio Adrenaline put out a beautiful song about just that. Here are some of the lyrics:

“Hands and Feet” by Audio Adrenaline 

An image flashed across my TV screen
Another broken heart comes in to view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can’t I do the things I want to?

I’m willing yet I’m so afraid
You give me strength, when I say

I wanna be your hands
I wanna be your feet
I’ll go where you send me
I’ll go where you send me

I’ll be your hands
I’ll be your feet
I’ll go where you send me
I’ll go where you send me

And I’ll try, yeah I’ll try
To touch the world
Like you touched my life
And I’ll find my way
To be your hands

Read more: Audio Adrenaline – Hands And Feet Lyrics | MetroLyrics

“God is not unjust; he will not forget the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)

” 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 10:45″ (NIV)