Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Several years ago, we had our whole family together during the Christmas holidays.  My wife and I have four adult kids, three son-in-laws and seven grandkids.  That is a lot of people!

To save money, we decided to eat most of our meals at home.  Each family was assigned to prepare a dinner for the whole group.  This included purchasing the food, preparing the meal, and cleaning up afterward.

It sounded like a good idea and each family member accepted their assignment enthusiastically.  As they planned their meal, they tried to select different foods that would also be kid friendly.  Pizza, tacos and spaghetti were at the top of the list.

The shopping went well and the food preparation too.  But, when it came to serving dinner, things were not as easy.  We learned quickly that is was difficult for the adults to eat dinner and feed the children at the same time.

We adopted a new plan.  Feed the kids first!  The adults could wait, but feed the kids first.  After the kids were fed, we put on a movie so they would be entertained while the adults enjoyed dinner and conversation.

It made dinner so much more relaxed and enjoyable.  The kids were fed and happy to watch a movie.  The adults were happy to enjoy warm food and good conversation.

I have heard that leaders in the military always make sure that the troops are fed first, before the officers eat.  An important responsibility of a leader is to serve and help others.  Good leaders put the needs of others first.

In the Bible, Jesus emphasized the importance of serving others.  He said that He did not come expecting others to serve Him, but He came to serve and help others (Mark 10:45).  The Apostle Peter wrote, “Use whatever gifts that God has given you to serve others” (I Peter 4:10).

Let me encourage you to watch for an opportunity this week to put the needs of others ahead of your own needs.  Remember – “feed the kids first”.  You will be glad you did and they will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit Efreedb.org.