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Have you become comfortable with doing just enough to get by? What would it look like for you to go beyond what’s expected of you? 

As women, we tend to feel overlooked and unappreciated in the many roles we play. It’s like we know we’re called to serve others, but over time, we become jaded by the things we do that go unnoticed. But we have to remember that when we serve others with our time, our resources, and our love, we are really serving the Lord.

We have the power to leave our homes, our jobs, and public spaces better than we found them when we do more than what’s required of us. Devi Titus called this the “Also Principle,” and she modeled it in how she lived her life.

Not only was Devi a renowned author and speaker, but she was also a friend of my mother’s and our family. Devi’s legacy was built on teaching women about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to live well in the world, but most importantly, Devi built a legacy of building the home. Her practical teachings, books, and course materials have guided women in practically living out Scriptural principles in real, everyday ways.

Her teaching on the “Also Principle” was inspired by Genesis 24, where Rebekah not only offered Abraham’s servant water to drink, but she also offered water for his camels. Her commitment to doing more stood out, and she was blessed for it.

What really stands out to me about Rebekah is that she did more without expecting anything in return. 

How often do we hold back in our relationships because we feel like the scales are unbalanced?   It’s certainly fair to feel this way, but we can’t stay in that mindset. Even when the people around us fail to acknowledge our efforts, we must serve as unto the Lord.

As you focus on the Lord and build a habit of applying the “Also Principle” to your life, this principle can become a part of your character. Your character will then begin to shift the atmosphere when you show up and ask, “What more can I do?”

What does applying the “Also Principle” look like? 

You do this when you complete your day’s worth of work and also clean off your desk for the next day. When you return, you will begin the next day with peace rather than chaos because you are prepared for the day ahead.

You also apply the “Also Principle” when you extend grace to your children and also take the time to correct them lovingly.

And when a stranger seems to be having a hard day, you go above and beyond when you give them a smile and also ask if you can pray for them. Remember, you might be the only representation of Jesus they ever see.

When we step outside of our world and pour back into others without seemingly getting anything in return, we pass down the value of doing more to the next generation.

Through their faithfulness, women like Devi and my mother have left a legacy of excellence and true servanthood to their families and everyone they have served. But even more than that, they left a legacy of love. True love looks beyond itself and considers the needs of others with a clear heart and pure motive.

As the great Maya Angelou once said, “Your legacy is every life you touch.”

While you serve your family, friends, and even strangers, do it as unto the Lord. He sees your efforts to do more, even when it appears that no one else does. Teach those coming behind you the importance of being considerate of others. Watch your relationships be strengthened when you make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5-6).

So how can you apply the “Also Principle” in your life? Start small. Start where you are and ask yourself, “What more can I do?” 

 

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Understanding God’s call for more
  • Applying the “Also Principle” in life
  • Leaving a legacy of love

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Let’s Talk!

  1. Is there anything holding you back from serving others with your “also”? If so, how can you address any grievances you have with others?
  2. In what practical ways can you apply the “Also Principle” in your personal life? What about in your professional life?
  3. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

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