Author's Note: This was originally written as an article for a five-part series on spiritual disciplines for Cedar Heights Kids.
When you think of spiritual disciplines, what do you think of? Does service make the list? Service is often a spiritual discipline we overlook. In serving, we give of ourselves to benefit and bless others, and in doing so, we imitate Christ. Whether we are serving our neighbors, our families, our churches, or our communities, service grows us in humility, love, and unity. But we must remember that we cannot serve by our own strength. We must abide in Christ.
When you think of spiritual disciplines, what do you think of? Does service make the list? Service is often a spiritual discipline we overlook. In serving, we give of ourselves to benefit and bless others, and in doing so, we imitate Christ. Whether we are serving our neighbors, our families, our churches, or our communities, service grows us in humility, love, and unity. But we must remember that we cannot serve by our own strength. We must abide in Christ.
Service in Scripture
My favorite example of service in Scripture is found in Psalm 84:10, which says, For I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God / than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Here, the psalmist says he would rather serve in the lowest position in God’s house than serve in any position anywhere else. That’s how much he loves the Lord. The psalmist seeks to serve God because God is that good. Are we like the psalmist? Does our service find its source in our love for God?
In Matthew 25:31-40, we see Jesus’s heart for service. He cares for the least of these—those that would benefit most from being served. But He doesn’t stop there. He goes as far as to identify Himself as one of the least of these, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ When we serve—especially our neediest neighbors—we are serving Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Is our service rooted in love for our neighbors? Especially the least of these? Do we seek to serve others as if they are King Jesus Himself?
The best examples of service in Scripture are found in the Gospels. It could be said that Jesus’s entire ministry is characterized by service. Witnessing Jesus devote so much of His time and energy to serving others is especially striking when we realize that this wasn’t even His main mission. Jesus’s main mission was not fulfilled in His ministry of service to others but in His sacrifice on the cross for others. All of Jesus’s service pointed forward to the cross; all of our service should point back to the cross.
In Matthew 25:31-40, we see Jesus’s heart for service. He cares for the least of these—those that would benefit most from being served. But He doesn’t stop there. He goes as far as to identify Himself as one of the least of these, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ When we serve—especially our neediest neighbors—we are serving Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Is our service rooted in love for our neighbors? Especially the least of these? Do we seek to serve others as if they are King Jesus Himself?
The best examples of service in Scripture are found in the Gospels. It could be said that Jesus’s entire ministry is characterized by service. Witnessing Jesus devote so much of His time and energy to serving others is especially striking when we realize that this wasn’t even His main mission. Jesus’s main mission was not fulfilled in His ministry of service to others but in His sacrifice on the cross for others. All of Jesus’s service pointed forward to the cross; all of our service should point back to the cross.
How Can We Serve?
Serving can be as simple as gathering the cups after communion, moving chairs in the Fellowship Hall, or welcoming people in the Greeter Ministry. These may seem like small ways to serve, but cultivating them will help us eagerly anticipate larger ways to serve. For example, if your neighbors are away, take them a meal to enjoy when they get back. If there are construction workers outside your home, bring them lemonade or homemade goodies. If you have clothes you no longer wear, donate them to others in need. If you have time in your week, spread some smiles by visiting an elderly neighbor or a local nursing home.
Really, our service is only limited by our creativity. Let’s pray and ask God how He would have us give of ourselves to benefit and bless others. When we do, we point them to Jesus Christ. No act of service or work of compassion is beneath us when we have the same mind of humility as Jesus (Phil. 2:1-11).
Really, our service is only limited by our creativity. Let’s pray and ask God how He would have us give of ourselves to benefit and bless others. When we do, we point them to Jesus Christ. No act of service or work of compassion is beneath us when we have the same mind of humility as Jesus (Phil. 2:1-11).
Doxological Extras:
Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Titus 3:14
And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.