Improving Your Serve the Art of Unselfish Living by Charles Swindoll

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This book is brutal and challenges idea processes, so be warned.

Also, the listing in front of the book that lists all of the translations used, try and use them all while reading this book.

This is not an "easy" read. Get that tissue box ready.

This is one of the best books I've read, even amongst the the five star reads of this by yr. This book is non for the wannabe or the wuss, just for those who want to strengthen their ability to serve. Serving is not necessarily an aspiration many seem to share, nor it is a lovey bed of roses--there are thorns and Swindoll even takes a look at the dark side of service. But overall this book, to which there are parts where you may say amen or ouch, takes a close look at what service and what it This is one of the best books I've read, fifty-fifty amid the the v star reads of this by yr. This volume is non for the wannabe or the wuss, merely for those who desire to strengthen their power to serve. Serving is not necessarily an aspiration many seem to share, nor it is a lovey bed of roses--in that location are thorns and Swindoll even takes a look at the dark side of service. But overall this volume, to which there are parts where you may say amen or ouch, takes a close look at what service and what it isn't in light of serving God first and foremost. ...more than

This was a difficult book to read because it fabricated me realize that I need to alter. It is for that reason that I recommend this book to others who, similar me, demand a lesson in selfless living.

How to offer yourself selflessly to other people. =)

Boy, did I learn from this book. Swindolls shows in Improving your Serve what servant leadership is all well-nigh and that it's much more than than willingness to do the nasty jobs no one else wants to. Being a true servant is well-nigh giving, forgiving, forgetting. It's about a state of mind, a way of thinking, a modify of the heart to truly go like Jesus.

And Swindoll makes this point past using Scripture to tell united states what God has in mind for us, how He wants us to serve. His key poesy is Mark 10:45: "For

Boy, did I learn from this volume. Swindolls shows in Improving your Serve what retainer leadership is all most and that it'south much more than willingness to do the nasty jobs no i else wants to. Being a true servant is nearly giving, forgiving, forgetting. It's about a state of mind, a fashion of thinking, a modify of the heart to truly get like Jesus.

And Swindoll makes this signal by using Scripture to tell us what God has in mind for u.s.a., how He wants us to serve. His key verse is Mark ten:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life every bit a ransom for many."

For me, the biggest center-opener was to discover through this book that much of my serving was still aimed at me. I did information technology to be a expert leader, to bear witness that I wasn't in a higher place doing the dishes, or mopping the floor. Simply in my middle, I did it to prove something, I didn't do information technology for God. I served, but I still wanted people to see it in some way and appreciate me for it.

For a full review, encounter: http://www.youthleadersacademy.com/im...

...more

The Book Improving Your Serve, by Charles R. Swindoll has helped me alter my view so much on the world. Information technology has taught me to stop thinking about the Me, Myself and I tactic and focus on serving others. The fact that the author was able to tap into my life then much amazed me. I felt as though Swindoll was speaking right to me. Like he understood everything I saw on a daily basis, as if he had known me forever. I know that because of reading this book I volition definitely start irresolute my outlook and The Volume Improving Your Serve, by Charles R. Swindoll has helped me change my view so much on the world. It has taught me to stop thinking virtually the Me, Myself and I tactic and focus on serving others. The fact that the author was able to tap into my life then much amazed me. I felt every bit though Swindoll was speaking correct to me. Similar he understood everything I saw on a daily basis, every bit if he had known me forever. I know that because of reading this volume I will definitely start changing my outlook and putting others earlier me. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars because of the power to actually connect with the reader and ability to draw us to make a change. Overall fantastic book, I would recommend it to everyone! ...more

Becaue we are going to Kenya in November to piece of work in mission hospital where our son and daughter in law are serving, Samaritan's Purse sent u.s.a. this book by prolific writer, Charles Swindoll, to read. He challenges us to have servant's hearts, to think more highly of others than ourselves, to forgive and forget those things that hinder our relationships with others, and to evidence Christ to others through our words and deeds. I have lots to ponder. Becaue we are going to Kenya in November to work in mission hospital where our son and daughter in police force are serving, Samaritan'south Bag sent united states this volume by prolific writer, Charles Swindoll, to read. He challenges us to take servant'southward hearts, to retrieve more highly of others than ourselves, to forgive and forget those things that hinder our relationships with others, and to show Christ to others through our words and deeds. I have lots to ponder. ...more

Mar 08, 2007 silasku rated information technology it was amazing · review of some other edition

Recommends it for: all those that what to serve God

This is very excellent book to encourage people to serve God and His people. Swell points and illustrations and stories.

It was a skilful reminder of how the Beatitudes use to our relationships with others.

Read this volume in college a few years ago. It totally challenged me (in a good way).

Excellently applicable volume that is securely rooted in scriptural analysis. While it can get repetitive, I think it's impactful and incredibly important. 1 of my favorite reads of the year.

I hate to review books I haven't finished (I hate to not finish books in full general), but after well-nigh thirty pages I couldn't actually justify the fourth dimension it would accept to get through the whole volume.

This book just misses. It'south premise is practiced (beingness similar Christ in serving others), only it's arguments and foundations are defective. Swindoll talks of happiness, success and satisfaction and I get the impression that he communicates the principles in his book to help people live more than fulfilled lives. It reads lik

I detest to review books I haven't finished (I detest to not terminate books in general), but afterwards about xxx pages I couldn't really justify the time information technology would take to get through the whole book.

This book simply misses. It's premise is good (beingness similar Christ in serving others), but information technology'southward arguments and foundations are lacking. Swindoll talks of happiness, success and satisfaction and I get the impression that he communicates the principles in his book to assistance people live more than fulfilled lives. It reads like an "unlocking the potential in your life" kind of book. Like post-obit Christ is just some other style (or even the preferred way) to making your life count and being happy while doing information technology.

He seems to anticipate his readers' reluctance to giving it all and writes in a chapter that I skimmed at the end of the book, "If we are truly faithful to God in every area of life, some of us may very well be called to follow Him to the ends of the earth. Many have done that. He may even ask a few of united states of america to serve in some assuming and hard human action of personal sacrifice here at domicile or abroad. But it'south not ever that mode. In fact, I would say it is not fifty-fifty very often that way. Most of the fourth dimension the Lord makes somewhat smaller demands on united states of america...but they still crave unselfishness." How pitiful that after 200 pages of trying convince people that it'southward skillful to serve y'all need to reassure them that God probably isn't going to actually inquire you to exercise annihilation likewise hard or crazy. Don't worry. You can near likely withal go about your comfortable lives and merely focus on the picayune things that count for God. I find no biblical support for the idea that "most of the fourth dimension the Lord makes somewhat smaller demands of united states." The author himself quotes Luke ix:23 before in the book and argues that following Christ is "terribly expensive" and costly. His inconsistent application of the Bible and his own thoughts is evident throughout what I read and skimmed.

In his affiliate called "A Case for Unselfishness" the writer writes, "These verses [1 Peter 5:v-7] accost three crucial realms related to truthful success: authority, attitude, and anxiety. And the best function of all of this: Following God's directives will bring the one benefit not found in the world'due south empty promises: a deep sense of lasting satisfaction. It's what we could call the forgotten side of success. And I would add that information technology is the success that will come to those who wish to develop the heart of a servant." To get to this kind of success, you must humble yourself to those who are wise, humble yourself "nether God's mighty hand," and throw yourself on the mercy and care of God. When we do those things, "Instead of all those hours pushing and promoting, we'll air current upwardly with more time for friends and family. And the Lord will even grant you some time for yourself, plus a few extra hours to go fishing!" He continues with a caution that we shouldn't confuse selfishness and good self-esteem. "Without a strong belief in ourselves, we are easily crippled and wounded in life...as a matter of fact, without a healthy ego, without the conviction that God is in u.s.a., on our side, pulling for us, we become fragile, easily bruised, counterproductive people."

So even in the affiliate almost not existence selfish, the motivation is still nigh the self (wanting to be fulfilled and even take time for hobbies), and the means is a belief that God is pulling for us. Swindoll just misses the point that true Christ-like servanthood is not the means to a better life in terms of success or fulfillment, but a life for God'southward glory (and it may not exit the states any time for fishing)!

Non only does the bulletin still seem to be near how this perspective will change our feel in life (instead of how it will glorify God), merely the author seems to be mistaken about in whose power this is achieved. He writes, "There is a ameliorate way. Jesus says, 'Be a retainer, give to others!' Now that'southward a philosophy that anyone can understand. And, without question, it is attainable." Subsequently on he writes that, "Deep down inside most Christians I know there is a deep-seated desire to release instead of keep...to give instead of catch. It'due south worth whatever information technology takes to let that kickoff happening."

What I accept read then far gives me the impression that you simply have to want to follow Jesus, change your attitudes and follow your Christian impulses and then you will be able to be a good servant and have a amend life. It's still all nigh self.

I believe Swindoll had good intentions. He quotes a lot of verses (which is more than I can say for a lot of "Christian" books out in that location) and he devotes entire sections of the chapters to the biblical basis for his perspective, simply his application of them but doesn't go deep enough and he doesn't start from the most important principle: nosotros exist for God'southward glory and and nosotros rely on God to alive for it. You only tin't get to the right conclusions if you think we can be good Christians in our own power and for the purpose of living more fulfilled lives.

His writing reminds me of James Dobson - cultural Christianity with no real unified theology behind it. I have only read one of Dobson's books (The Strong-Willed Child) just I couldn't believe how awful it was - totally lacking in biblical principles (encouraging the exact contrary in many cases). To exist off-white to Swindoll (unlike Dobson), I believe he was actually trying to be biblical and I believe he really did report the Bible to come to his conclusions (he fifty-fifty hits on some expert and accurate principles sometimes), only he yet seems to be viewing Christianity through his lens of American "morality" culture instead of the a radical, all for God'south celebrity, need God every day, fight against our flesh and his agreement of the Bible seems to lack depth and cohesion. He lacks a unified theology that ties all the verses he quotes together, not every bit truisms, but every bit a manner to know God and worship him with our lives. Even in giving the author the benefit of the dubiety, I couldn't recommend this book because information technology leaves y'all with the dangerous understanding that you can have it all: your comfy American lifestyle and your service for God and others. I would be concerned that it encourages people to be lukewarm (Rev. three:16) and leaves them with a false confidence in themselves and their service.

...more than

This book is Awesome!!! It'due south a report of what the Bible says about servant hood and how to model our lives afterwards the best retainer e'er - Jesus!! It is full of conviction and practical life applications with each chapter. It truly has made me look at serving in a new light and I am SO excited to proceed to utilize everything I accept learned!!

A young friend recommended this one to me, which was somewhat surprising equally it was likely written several years before he was built-in. I told him early on on that my antennae went up with the seeming tennis metaphor in the title (it's really not most sport, thankfully). Swindoll has here an first-class message, simply I sense that its genesis springs from motivation rooted in the image of greed that he speaks of every bit being central to the times. Several times I had a thought that this could accept been writ A young friend recommended this one to me, which was somewhat surprising as it was likely written several years earlier he was born. I told him early that my antennae went up with the seeming tennis metaphor in the title (information technology'due south really non nigh sport, thankfully). Swindoll has here an first-class message, but I sense that its genesis springs from motivation rooted in the paradigm of greed that he speaks of as being cardinal to the times. Several times I had a idea that this could take been written using half the words, and let me go on to really be of service. This appears to exist the only matter of Swindoll's that I've read, and perhaps I should give some other work a risk when I'm non set to pre-judge it based on the title. ...more

3.5. I first read this in a small group written report while I was in university. Written in the 1980's but yet culturally relevant as we alive in a society dominated by self-interest. Good reminders of how Christians are called to be different--live servant lives. Opening capacity are on forgiving and forgetting, which Swindoll considers integral aspects of being servants and so he moves to the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) as central retainer characteristics. The volume concludes 3.5. I first read this in a minor group written report while I was in university. Written in the 1980's but notwithstanding culturally relevant every bit we live in a society dominated by self-interest. Proficient reminders of how Christians are called to be different--live servant lives. Opening chapters are on forgiving and forgetting, which Swindoll considers integral aspects of being servants and then he moves to the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mountain (Matthew 5-seven) every bit key retainer characteristics. The volume concludes with a reminder of the call to follow Jesus' example, knowing that being a faithful servant will not exist like shooting fish in a barrel or applauded by all who surround us. Nigh of his chapters are well-grounded in scripture. ...more than

Though I have enjoyed Mr. Swindoll'south work in the pass, this volume never grabbed me. Being a servant seems to be a pretty straight forward thought. After a couple of chapters, I think I got it. Though the information is good, it feels like information technology could take been condensed to a long essay, instead of an entire book. Charles does provide a very intriguing analogy of what information technology must be like for God as He watches people study the Bible, only not act on it.

This book presents a different manner of living. Instead of making my life all about me, it challenges me to give and serve like Christ did. It includes some of the most profound words I've ever read in my life. Regarding personal suffering/trouble/hardship, he says we should have this perspective: "Everything I endure is designed to prepare me for serving others more effectively. Everything." (p. 189). Wow. This book presents a dissimilar way of living. Instead of making my life all about me, it challenges me to give and serve similar Christ did. Information technology includes some of the most profound words I've ever read in my life. Regarding personal suffering/trouble/hardship, he says we should have this perspective: "Everything I suffer is designed to set me for serving others more effectively. Everything." (p. 189). Wow. ...more

Another attempt to keep the laic in the bondage of the O.T. This book cause me to struggle for years in my walk with some nonsense of being a servant. We cannot finish it (modernism)but we tin read our Bibles and know what the truth is. Booksellers don't make whatsoever money unless the convince you lot the Bible is incomplete and you need someone to translate information technology for you. Another attempt to keep the believer in the chains of the O.T. This book cause me to struggle for years in my walk with some nonsense of being a servant. Nosotros cannot terminate it (modernism)but nosotros tin read our Bibles and know what the truth is. Booksellers don't make any money unless the convince y'all the Bible is incomplete and yous need someone to interpret information technology for you. ...more than

A straightforward discussion of the prizes and perils of living with a servant'due south heart. Includes lots of scriptural references, and I appreciated them being quoted in full (often these sorts of books presume you lot have a Bible at the fix to look them upward yourself). Despite being written in the eighty'south, this book remains relevant to today. A straightforward discussion of the prizes and perils of living with a retainer's heart. Includes lots of scriptural references, and I appreciated them existence quoted in full (oft these sorts of books assume you lot have a Bible at the ready to look them upwardly yourself). Despite being written in the 80's, this book remains relevant to today. ...more

First fourth dimension reading a Swindle book and I tin can see why his fans love him then. He has a bully mode of telling you some of the brutal truth without offending y'all. He gives a greater insight in this book on what it means to serve like Jesus served. Clear examples. I especially enjoyed that he covered the benefits of serving and also the downfalls.

This was on the Classical Conversations booklist. It'south a proficient solid book on Christian discipleship and but loses a star because I struggled to end information technology, as I always do with non-fiction books. I will encounter if anyone at church wants it, or if you're reading this and would like to read it, permit me know! This was on the Classical Conversations booklist. It'due south a practiced solid book on Christian discipleship and only loses a star because I struggled to finish it, every bit I always practise with non-fiction books. I will meet if anyone at church wants information technology, or if you're reading this and would like to read it, let me know! ...more

Book is a peachy and humbling await at servant leadership taken directly from the example of Jesus.

Charles makes existent applicable principles that can be applied to living like a servant even in these demanding times.

I have read this book over and over several times. Every time I read it, I find something new & useful in my walk with Christ. It is the most practical approach to servanthood past far. Like Christ, we are not called to be served but to serve.

Sep twenty, 2016 Elijah Abanto rated it it was amazing

This has go i of the nigh challenging and well-nigh inspiring volume I've read in my life equally a Christian. Thank you Lord for education me that servanthood is the greatest work I could always do in this life, considering Christ Himself came not to exist served, but to serve! This has become 1 of the near challenging and most inspiring book I've read in my life as a Christian. Thanks Lord for teaching me that servanthood is the greatest work I could always do in this life, because Christ Himself came not to be served, merely to serve! ...more

Talbot Course: Field Education

MUST READ! Have away all the desires for titles, positions, paychecks, recognition...this volume is about what Serving God truly means! Swindoll is the man!!!

I was encouraged to add together to my list of skills to Master : Serving Others

Mar 04, 2009 HEW rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Everyone

Wonderful, incredible book. Ane of my superlative iii favorites of all fourth dimension, all genres. This book inverse my life!

One of the most influential books I read in loftier schoolhouse. It'due south shaped my faith and worldview. 1 of the most influential books I read in high school. It's shaped my organized religion and worldview. ...more than

Charles Swindoll has devoted over 4 decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical advice and application of God's Discussion, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God'southward grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Progra Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to 2 passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Discussion, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed past God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with 4 doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Programme of the Year honor and the Hall of Fame laurels from the National Religious Broadcasters every bit well as multiple volume awards. ...more than

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