There are many problems in the world which run the gamut from inconvenient to catastrophic, from too many meetings at work to nuclear proliferation. I probably cannot do much about nuclear bombs and I probably can’t help you with your work schedule but I am not powerless to serve.
The follower of Jesus seeks to serve others because Jesus served.
But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be
Mark 10:43-45slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
I was recently in a restaurant. I noticed there were far more customers than servers. That’s to be expected in a restaurant but not in the church. We need churches full of people who serve others in some way. Church leaders must ensure ample opportunities for service among their people.
According to Jesus, greatness is in serving. That’s upside down from the world’s thinking, but Jesus says that we must become slaves in order to become great. Slaves. Who wants that? Jesus was a slave who went to his death to serve us (Philippians 2:8).
What have we done to serve others?
We do not have to die to serve, but we do have to serve in some way.
- Look for opportunities to serve. Seek them out. Do not wait for someone else to point out a need.
- Act on opportunities. A church program or another leader is unnecessary. You do what needs to be done.
- Pray for unseen opportunities. Sometimes, the deepest needs are hidden. Ask our Lord to open your eyes.
- Don’t miss the small stuff. A phone call or a card can do much to brighten the day of someone struggling. Your thoughts and prayers matter.
- Ask to serve. There are many ready-made opportunities for service. Get involved somewhere.
We all have talents. Use your talents to their maximum. Be like Jesus and serve others!
