If your life had a motto, what would it be? Here’s a better question. Would the motto you give your own life match the one your loved ones would put on your life? 

Ich dien (German for “I serve”) is the proud motto of the Prince of Wales, which can be found on his seal. In our world, that is a shocking sentiment! Every day we see people vying for positions that will enable them to command and compel others to serve them. Service to self is often the only thing I see in the world. Sadly, I see it in my own heart as well.

Jesus says to us today, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26,28). How countercultural! “I serve” is to be every Christian’s motto. Why will we want to serve? 

Ich dien—I serve. This was the motto of Jesus’ life for you. He lived perfectly, not for himself but for you. He died to pay for sins, not his own but yours. This serving love is shocking! Ich dien. The person whose heart speaks these words as its motto rises to heights of true nobility. Remember the One who served you and Ich dien will be your life’s motto as well.

Whom can you serve today?