Service
Matthew 20:28, Romans 12:9-13
We can know that we are called to serve because of Jesus. I know what you may be thinking “duhhh, yes we know that”... Which is great! I'm glad that we all agree that Jesus’s life of service is worth reflecting here on earth. In Matthew 20:28, we see just how MUCH Jesus served us through his death and resurrection on the cross. Sometimes when I look at serving on Sunday or a friend, or roommate, or neighbor, it can feel daunting. The weight of Jesus’s service to us on the cross should be humbling when we think about serving others. We cannot replicate what Jesus did, but we can chase after how he served others day in and day out. Spiritual disciplines take practice, repetition, and persistence.
Service can be reflected in how we use our gifts for more than just personal gain, how we seek and serve the lost or poor in spirit, and serving the body of Christ. And YES they are all connected. Romans 12:9-13 I think encapsulates the discipline of service in a clear way:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
In serving the lost and the church, we have to have the posture of sincerity. Jesus’ death on the cross was the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. Do you think he did it out of obligation? He asked God to remove this fate in the Garden of Gethsemane, but instead Jesus bore the cross meant for us and died on it so we could have a relationship with God. His love was sincere, as should ours be.
Service is patient, joyful, and for God’s glory. When we have it skewed, and try to attain glory for ourselves (which is tempting), it will never be satisfying for us. In fact, we may grow more tired and irritable than before.
Audit your life of service. How often is it out of sincerity or obligation? Do you seek service for the sake of yourself?
