Serving

So many of us believe that, as Christians, we are called to help others.  We believe that if we are blessed by God we should be giving to those less fortunate.  We need to help those that cannot help themselves because we are in a better place than they are.  And we are hailed as heroes in a world where some people would rather look out for themselves than care about others.

It is truly a privilege to be blessed by God and to share those blessings with others.  That's an excellent way to be a steward of our time and money.  And without the generous donations from wealthy corporations or caring individuals, many of these charities might not survive or flourish like they do.

But what if our privilege was not to help people?  What if that is not what God called us to do?  What if He's looking down on our charitable donations and shaking His head, saying, You're so close, yet so far away.

If we, as people blessed by God, aren't invited to just share our blessings with others, then what are we called to do?


As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.  (1 Peter 4:10)

Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  (Gal 5:13)

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all.  (1 Cor 9:19)


It seems to me that our attitude of helping others would be more rightly adjusted as an attitude of serving others.  After all, if we desire to be more like Jesus, then that is a good way to follow in His footsteps.

Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.  (Matt 20:28 & Mark 10:45)

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also out to wash one another's feet.  (John 13:14)

The word "serve" is a verb and has two meanings, depending on whether it's used with an object or not.  When it is not used with an object the definition is simple:  to be of use; to help to offer assistance. 

But when the word is used with an object, it takes on a more service-focused meaning:  to be in the service of; to be obedient to; to perform duties for.

When we distance ourselves from the object of our service, we are simply offering assistance from our arsenal of what we have to give.  But when we attach a valuable subject to our service, we can more easily invest our hearts in those not because we have more to give, but because we see inherent royal value in them, and it is an honor to make them greater.  

We become nothing, and they become everything in our eyes and in our purpose.  And that is the gospel.

With this perspective on charity, we might be able to come closer to representing Jesus' gospel to others.  Maybe they will have a better chance at catching a clear image of Jesus' love for them and why He was so eager to give His life up for them.  Not a "you-poor-thing-let-me-help-you" attitude, but a "you-are-so-worthy-I-would-give-my-life-for-you" kind of attitude.  

Those we serve are not just in need of stuff and money, they are in need of value.  Jesus is desperate to show them how much He treasures them and He is offering us the privilege to work alongside Him in this endeavor.

You are precious and honored in my sight.  (Isaiah 43:4)

How cool would it be if this was our motto when preparing to serve others?

This was a photo I took on a mission trip to Mexico in 1994.  This elderly woman that came with us, treated the children like they were royalty.  She tenderly and lovingly served them, showing them that they were worthy to be honored and cherished.  I haven't looked at my mission scrapbook in many years and might have forgotten about this picture.  But as I was writing this post, the image came to mind again and I just had to find it.  She was quite aged and it might have been rather uncomfortable for her to kneel on the ground and serve this extensive line of children, as she fitted them with shoes.  But she didn't hesitate.  In fact, I recall her being quite eager to serve them.  There was a joy in her approach.  Like she could hardly wait to show them how valuable they were.  What a precious memory this photo has provided for me.  I look forward to seeing her in heaven and serving her a big hug.