First Observe, Then Serve: The Woman Taken in Adultery

Welcome back to another post in my "First Observe, Then Serve" series.  To participate in this online discussion, please see my first post of this series with all the information on what to expect over the next four weeks!  Feel free to join our Facebook group, as well, where people from all walks of life are joining the conversation.

This week's story is the woman taken in adultery, found in John chapter 8.  One thing that I have found when I read this story is that I get more out of it if I think about it from the woman's perspective.  We are all this woman.  We all sin.  We all need the Savior.  There will be times when others point out our failings and try to make an example of us.  Or there might also be times when people around us try to get us to degrade others because of their sins.  The Savior's example from this story teaches us that these are times for courage and service.  First, let me give my take on the story, then I'll share more about what I have learned.

One day, Jesus was sitting in the temple teaching a group of people who had come to learn from Him.  In the middle of His teaching, His enemies (the scribes and Pharisees) interrupt Him by presenting a woman that had been taken in adultery.  They demand that the Savior explain His take on what should happen to this woman.  The Law of Moses stated she should be stoned.  This is yet another trap that they lay at Christ's feet to try and condemn Him.

The Savior does not answer these men.  Instead, He starts to write in the sand as though He did not hear the question.  The scribes and Pharisees continue to demand an answer from Him.  His answer is profound, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."

We do not know what Christ was writing on the ground, but He continued this task.  Some people have told me they think that He was writing a list of sins on the ground, specific to the group of men doing the accusing.  This is possible.  Whatever it was He wrote, as well as His statement, obviously pricked these men to their hearts.  I find it very interesting that they leave from oldest to youngest, as well.

By the time the Savior looks us and asks the woman where her accusers are, they have all gone.  He specifically asks her, "...hath no man condemned thee?"  She responds that none of the men have condemned her.  Christ then gives her an invitation by saying, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."  

Can you imagine the woman's relief?  Without Christ's intervention, she would have died!  Each time I read this story, my eyes fill with tears and my heart pounds, knowing that this same invitation is extended to me on a daily basis.  We are all in serious danger of spiritual death without the Atonement of the Savior.  

Something else that strikes me from this story is the fact that the Savior was in the middle of teaching others.  He could have told these men that He would deal with this situation later, but He knew that a life was at stake.  He knows that each day, our spiritual lives are at stake!  

Instead of just ignoring and continuing on, the Savior met an immediate need first.  This is important when we are observing and serving.  There are times when we meet people who need A LOT of help.  Shoot, I'm that person sometimes!  When this happens, it is exceedingly important to make sure that we meet the most immediate needs first.  That might mean that we get them some food or water.  It might mean that we pray with them.

Going along with this same issue, there are times when it seems like everyone needs a piece of us.  It's those times that God expects us to prioritize.  We cannot help every single person we know with every single problem they have.  BUT, if we are listening to the Spirit, God will let us know what is most important and how to meet that need.  It also helps to ask the person what need is most immediate.  Making sure that needs in our homes and families are met first and foremost will make it possible for us to then go and be more effective in our service to others.

Another important thing that I see in this story is that when someone is being accused and reviled publicly, that's an opportunity for service.  We can be an advocate for others.  We can strive to see the good in everyone and make sure that people's names are safe on our lips.  Sometimes, this act of service is absolutely priceless.  I am not the best at doing this, but this is one thing that pricked my heart as I read.  I will be working harder at this.

The next thing I thought of with regards to this story is how Christ was allowing His time to be used in service of this woman.  Service, true service, can take time.  LOTS of time.  Like sitting and consoling someone for three or more hours time.  Are you willing to do that?  Sometimes we equate giving things as the ultimate act of service.  I reject that notion.  I think it is far better to give our time to someone.  This helps them see how important they are as an individual.  Can you image how different our world would be if we all took the time to truly get to know each other?  Can you imagine how much easier life would be if there was at least one person you knew would always make time for you?  Yes, God and the Savior do have time for us, I know.  But we need human interaction.  Making time for others is crucial to their well being, as well as ours, because hopefully then the favor will be reciprocated.

The last thought I have about this story is this, and it's the same point as something I mentioned last week--do not judge those you serve.  If you want to read my thoughts on that, go HERE (it's number four on my list further down).  After this story is completed, Jesus returned to talk to the Pharisees about this issue.  He said, "Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true..."  Christ will always judge us based on eternal truths, not by how others see us.  What a blessing, too.  I would hate for my enemies to sway my Savior's opinion of me! 

I did have one other thing I wanted to add, as well.  When a person is known to judge others through gossip or other unkind interactions, it makes trusting them difficult.  Even if they are not bad mouthing you, you still don't know if they will say something about you to someone else and make that person believe you are the worst human alive.  People lose friends this way each and every day.  Don't judge other people based on another's bad opinion--you will be accountable for it!

Because trust is so essential to service, make sure that your interactions with ALL people are kind and show tolerance.  This will make others around you more apt to ask you for help and trust you with their personal issues.   This comes from my personal experience and feelings.  I do not trust easily, and so when I am around people who constantly complain about others, it makes me very wary about asking them for help.  Service is such personal thing, and people want to feel safe.  Be the person who is safe by keeping their feelings close to your heart, not easily spilled out of your mouth. ;)

Now it's your turn!  What do you see in this story about the need to observe, then serve?  I can't wait to hear your thoughts!  Feel free to email me, comment below, or join our Facebook group.  Do what you are comfortable with!  I'll be back next Tuesday with the story of the woman who had an issue of blood.  Until then, HUGS and prayers sent your way! :)

P.S.: Please make sure that you keep all comments uplifting and kind.  Assume the best of each other and read all comments in a positive manner.  I truly believe that anyone commenting is only seeking to be understood and heard, not offend. :)

First Observe, Then Serve: The Woman at the Well

I am currently sharing a series of posts on Christ's example of observing needs and then meeting them.  To participate in this online discussion, please see my first post of this series with all the information on what to expect over the next four weeks!  Feel free to join our Facebook group, as well, where people from all walks of life are joining the conversation.

Firstly, I must warn you all that today's post is long.  I wasn't intending it to be, but as I pondered and wrote, more things came to my mind that I felt I needed to share.

Today's example of Christ's example of observing and then serving occurred as He was going about His daily life.  It can be found in John chapter 4 in the New Testament.  Here is my retelling...

Christ was travelling, as He often did, and stopped to rest at a well.  A woman approached the well and we know that He knew her from what He says later on.

Instead of asking her what He could do to help, He requested service from her.  The woman thought this very strange, because Jews and Samaritans hated each other.  She questions His motives. He responds that, if she knew who she was speaking to, she would have instead asked Him for water.  This is the desire of her heart.  She asks how He could possibly give her water.  He has nothing to draw water from the well, and she queries whether Christ is greater than Jacob.

Instead of being offended, Christ teaches her an eternal principle--that He is the living water that brings everlasting life.  This is the desire of her heart, and she requests water from Him.  Christ does not immediately give her this gift, though.  He requests that she call her husband, knowing she is living in sin.  She cannot, and He gives her details about her life to show that He is omnipotent.

The woman then calls Jesus a prophet.  Seeing that she is starting to open her eyes to the possibility that He is the Savior, and knowing she is troubled with regards to her worship of God, He expounds more doctrine unto her, reassuring her that she is able to worship anywhere.  This comforts her heart even more.  She reveals that she believes in a Messiah, and He adds to her knowledge by stating that He is the Messiah.

There are so many things that I have learned from this story.  Before I share them, I want to note that this parable is a type of our daily lives.  We will not be able to be successful in under five minutes, like the Savior was, because we are not perfect or omnipotent.  By looking at each request or question and answer portion of the story as equal to a single interaction with a person, we can see that, for us, becoming perfect at observing and serving can sometimes take time as we build relationships.

The first thing that I learned from this story is that each person is important, and if you help them realize that they are important to you, you will be able to serve them more completely.  This is not something that can just be said, and all is well.  Making people feel important means asking about them and being good communicators.  It is putting the other person before yourself and genuinely caring what they have to offer and share.  Getting someone a drink of water was no big deal to this woman, it was who was asking that made the event important.  Sometimes requesting service from someone is the way that they need you to show that you recognize that they are needed.

Secondly, we must understand a person's heart and desires before we can meet their needs.  Each person has trials, regrets, goals, sorrows, and strengths.  By getting to know a person, we will be able to not only strengthen bonds of friendship, but garner trust.  This is something that takes time.  It also takes consistency.  Christ did not get up and ignore the woman during any part of their conversation.  True and lasting friendships require continual communication with each other.  This means different things to different people, but we should be in direct communication with those we claim to love and want to serve as much as possible, as led by the Spirit.

The third thing I have learned from this story is that people are not sustained on one act of service alone.  From my count, Christ performed five micro-services during the course of His discussion with this woman.  Five acts of service in probably less than five minutes!  If anything, I feel this shows that one act of service is not enough to change a life or a relationship.  It may take more than 5 acts, even, but if we act in patience and love, as the Savior did in this story, we can change lives.

Number four is broad, but I'll get more specific in my comments--it is simply "do not judge those you serve."  Christ saw into this woman's heart.  She was sinning grievously, and yet the Savior never once told her to repent.  He showed her who He was, and knew that, because her heart was in the right place, she would repent.  Not only does this show that even the Savior sometimes doesn't explicitly call someone to repentance, it shows that He respected this woman's agency.  Allowing others to make choices, but to still love and serve them is a hallmark of a Christ-centered life.

The fifth thing I learned is that we never know when someone is ready to hear truth, or how that will change them.  The Savior could have withheld His identity because the woman was living unworthily.  He did not.  We never know what changes can begin in a person's life when we simply share a testimony of a loving Savior or any other truth.  These acts are services rarely known as such.

Finally, I love how the Savior ends His conversation with this woman with words of comfort and hope.  Service should always be something that uplifts others.  Participating in gossip (I'm guilty and working on it!) does not constitute serving someone.  Allowing others to share feelings with you is absolutely fine, but leave them better than you found them.  Don't malign others in hopes of finding common ground.  Relationships built on mutual hatred will never have a strong foundation.  Make sure that your actions allow you to feel good about your service.

So, there you have it!  I told you it was long, didn't I?  I hope that you were able to gain some sort of insight from my ramblings today, friends!  Now it's your turn--what aspects of this story inspire you to do better at observing and then serving?  I can't wait to hear them in the comments below!  If you'd rather, there's a Facebook group designed to continue the discussion for those more comfortable there.  Come join us!  I'll be back on Friday with my thoughts on the woman taken in adultery found in John chapter 8.  Until then, sending hugs and prayers your way! :)

P.S.: Please make sure that you keep all comments uplifting and kind.  Assume the best of each other and read all comments in a positive manner.  I truly believe that anyone commenting is only seeking to be understood and heard, not offend. :)

First Observe, Then Serve: An Introduction + The Savior's First Miracle

Throughout the years, I have been amazed at the service Christ rendered to women in the New Testament.  It always amazes me to see how much love our Savior has for each of us, and it is through the hands of others here on earth that I have seen that love.  His example of service to these women has inspired me again and again as I am prompted to serve others around me.  

Many are familiar with the quote, "First observe, then serve", which was stated in the October 2012 General Conference by Sis. Linda K. Burton.  As I've pondered this simple, yet powerful statement, I have found that Christ's example is the most perfect way to put this into practice.  Even more wonderful, I have found His observations and service towards women in the New Testament as a balm of Gilead.  It has strengthened my testimony of our Heavenly Father's love for all of His daughters.  

I have compiled a few of the many stories from the New Testament where is observation and then service met individual needs, and it has made it more clear to me that each person needs to be served according to those needs.  There are many ways that people let us know what they need, and I believe that studying the Savior's life will help us to be more in tune with the Spirit so that we can be more open to observing them. 

Over the next four weeks, I will be relating stories from Christ's ministry and what I have learned about observing and then serving from the Master.  Each Friday and Tuesday at noon, a new story and my comments will be posted.  I invite everyone to join in and share their feelings about the stories, as well.  My goal is to create a safe place where we can all share our feelings on this important topic and learn from each other.  

Today's story is when Christ turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana--the first miracle performed by the Savior here on earth.  This story is found in John chapter 2.

I find it fascinating that the first miracle Jesus performed was at the request of a woman--His mother, Mary.  Mary was very forthright with the Savior.  She stated the problem, "They have no wine", to which Jesus responded by asking her what He should do.  Instead of telling Him what to do, she responds with faith, knowing that He is the Savior, and tells the servants to follow Jesus's instructions.  This is the observation.

The service comes straight afterwards--the Savior does not wait.  He instructs that nearby water pots are to be filled with water.  After this occurs, he tells the servants to draw from them, and they are amazed that they draw out wine instead of water.

So, what are the most important things to note about observation and service from this story?  In my opinion, they are that when someone asks for help, we defer to them to let us know what we can do.  We ask specifically, "What can I do to help you?"  The second thing I learn from this story is to serve immediately.  Sometimes we set ourselves up to fail because we stop to think too long.  By acting straight away, we become a person that is reliable and trusted.  The Spirit will send us more tasks to complete, and others will feel more comfortable asking us outright for what they need.

What aspects of this story do you see that can help you better observe, then serve?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!  Feel free to join our Facebook group, as well, where people from all walks of life are joining the conversation.  I will be back soon with my next post in this series. The story I will be using then is the woman at the well.  I hope to see you then!

P.S.: Please make sure that you keep all comments uplifting and kind.  Assume the best of each other and read all comments in a positive manner.  I truly believe that anyone commenting is only seeking to be understood and heard, not offend. :)