I think that there are many in the church who understand what it is to serve others. They work in the kitchen, feed the homeless, and pick up trash. But we have to be careful about doing works for the sake of works.
Yes, it’s good to feed the homeless. Yes, it’s good to work in the community. But ask yourself why you would do that? Because people are hungry! Because it needs to be done! But let’s remember this: And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1 Cor 13:3)
Are you serving or a servant? There are a few ways to look at that. One way is to see serving as an act and servant as a mindset. To be a servant to others is to intentionally put them first. Yes, it’s nice to do good things for others, but to do them in sacrifice, in love, goes to the heart of God. I could give my body to be burned for others, but if I do it out of obligation or merit, I would suffer for nothing. My actions must be to truly care about people.
The next time you volunteer to clean up after a potluck, pick up someone who needs a ride, or pay for someone’s lunch, stop and look at who you are helping. See the person inside. They’re just like you and they want to be loved as much as you do.
Serving with a heart of love is enormously different from serving to get a job done. Love will reach out through the action to touch another soul.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)
**************************************************************************The Key of David, by Diana Symons A story that’s been told for thousands of years… The Bible’s Book 1 Samuel tells the story of David’s life – from an obscure family to an unlikely king, from shepherd to warrior, from champion to king-maker. What does it mean for a man to love God and be loved by Him? This book explores what it means to be human in the light of the Kingdom.
This hits home!
My most notable servant is Abraham’s right hand man, Eleazer, who went to Abe’s homeland to get Isaac’s wife. Abe’s reverence to God rubbed off on him and he does the job exactly as Abraham would have done: in relationship with God. To my eyes, Eleazer abd Abraham didnt act any differently in that particular incident. Now…am I serving as Christ….in true Love without expecting any in return? Actually even when condescending remarks hunts you down? Of course!! Nothing can offend Love! Blaming, accusations, or finding faults have no power against the power of Love. Love never dies.
Now, Holy Spirit… I believe Your power in me to steadfastly, sincerely love the one before me.