My recent surgery has made me quite uncomfortable in more ways than one. In the first place, like most men (or so I have been told), I am rather allergic to pain. Knee replacement and the therapy that follows are not for the faint of heart, no matter your age.

But there is something that has been even more painful for me than that, and it is something I need to work to change. For 34 plus years I have been on the giving end of prayer and ministry in hospitals and homes. I have been the one who has been called to serve, and I feel it has been a strength of my ministry.

I don’t like it when I am the one in the hospital listening as someone prays for me. That requires a humble spirit that does not come easily. No, the fact is that I would much prefer to be the one offering comfort and hope than the one receiving.

Don’t get me wrong. The Bible undoubtedly calls for us to serve our friends and families, and even to serve those who are not good to us. Jesus said of himself, "The Son of Man came to serve, not to be served."

It is a good thing to have the desire to minister to others. But there is also the need for a humble spirit that allows others to minister to us.

The Proverb says, "Pride goes before the fall."

Yes, God has a place for you to serve others. But he also intends that you learn to receive ministry as well.

I am so grateful to everyone who has assisted me in any way. I am thankful for their help. But I am also grateful that God has allowed me to help them by letting them serve.