Choices change our lives…
By Barbara Dahlgren
A Christian is called to a life of service. We need to be serving God and we need to be serving others. This is actually a circular area because when we serve others, we are in a way serving God. Jesus said that what we do for others, we are doing for Him. (Matthew 25:40-45)
Jesus came among us as one who served. (Luke 22:27) He didn’t come to be served, but to serve others. (Matthew 20:28) Paul even described himself as a bondservant for Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:5)
It isn’t just those ordained who are called to ministry. Every Christian is called to be a bondservant for Christ. However, being called to ministry is not being called to be above others. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Those setting spiritual examples should not only be ready to teach the gospel to others, but be willing to do something like wash a disciple’s feet. In other words, be willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation, but count as everything to God.
True Christians will be serving others. Service is the overflow which pours out from a life filled with love and devotion. Service is what we bring to the relationship with God and is a reflection of our identity in Christ. In fact, being willing to serve is one of the main attributes of Christians. Let’s look at a few reasons why.
Serving fulfills God’s purpose in our lives. Paul tells us we were created to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10) These works have nothing to do with whether or not we receive Christ’s gift of salvation, yet these good works should be part of the Christian life. When we aren’t looking for ways to serve others, we are robbing ourselves of blessings built into God’s plan for us.
Serving follows the example of Christ. He set an example of service for us to follow and we have a responsibility to model that example to others. (John 13:15) Christ did not come to be served, but to serve others. (Mark 10:45)
Serving reflects God’s glory. As we serve others, they get a glimpse of Jesus. Peter told us to live our lives in such a way that when others see our good deeds, God is glorified. (1 Peter 2:12) These good deeds are ways we serve others.
Consider this… Every Christian has opportunities to share in the ministry of Christ. It isn’t just a pastor’s job to visit the sick, the fatherless, the widowed, the homebound, those in hospitals, those in hospice care, those in nursing homes, or those in crisis. It isn’t just an elder’s job to be sure everyone feels included in God’s plan, send notes of encouragement, extend the hand of fellowship, and invite people to their homes for a potluck or Bible study.
Remember this quote from Martin Luther King: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
One final thought… When you are in the service of others, you are in the service of God.
