Spiritual Disciplines | Service
Society tells us that we need to be the best, rising to the top of everyone around us. Even in the church, we have substituted discipleship with leadership thinking that we have done the trick if only we can teach Christians to be influential. Western culture and its competitive aspects dictate that a person should strive to be the best, to run companies, have the largest reach, and be the most superior in a given field. At the core of this belief is the idea that everything is about us. In pursuit of status and leadership, we have given in to the notion that everything revolves around us. This is precisely the importance of the spiritual discipline of service.
The Spiritual Discipline of service involve the willful laying down of one’s time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of another by the grace given to us from Christ Jesus. Service denies the self and gives freely out of the altruistic goodness that God has placed in our heart by His presence. We learn to serve people, not because we will get anything from it or that others will see it, or to gain any moral high ground or superiority, but simply because a person is in need. The core of service to another comes from the example that Jesus Christ set for us. Rather than rule with an iron fist from the throne of God (something in His full right to do) Jesus lowered Himself, taking on the form of man, in order to provide for and save mankind from our sins. In the same way, service to others demonstrates the impact Christ made on our lives and shows that same love and grace to the world around us. It empties us of ourselves in order that the whole of creation could be lifted up through mutual service within the body of Christ.
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:25-28,ESV
The Ways of Service
While very similar to submission, service goes against our fleshly instinct to seek our own personal gain and best interest. For the Christian looking for opportunities to serve, we should first turn to the Lord in prayer to provide examples. More than likely, rather than create opportunities, God will simply open our eyes to the endless needs around us. Furthermore, these will likely not appear glamorous. In practicing the spiritual discipline of service, there is not job that is “beneath our sensibilities” and nothing too unclean for us. Service becomes an extension of the hand of God working through ours. Thus, if Christ would take the form of man and bear the burden of our sins, we can lower ourselves for the sake of others. Throughout our day to day, there are numerous opportunities to serve others that we can be aware of.
- Care for the Broken, Poor, Unwelcome and Unclean We pass by people every day in need. The homeless, the sick, the widows, the lost, and the confused. Each one presents with unique opportunities to serve. In each case, it is highly unlikely that they can do anything for us. Perfect. The act of service is not about gain but about giving. We give freely to those in the most obvious of needs around us. While some may attempt to take advantage of our good nature, we give freely still knowing that God will judge the hearts and actions of men. Our role is to serve from the outpouring of love that God first gave to us.
- Welcome and Greeting People Into Your Home The idea of hospitality and inviting someone into our home can be an expression of service. Not only do we care for the visitor, likely through a shared meal, but we also give serve them with our time. Sharing our life shares the Gospel with those we show hospitality towards. Just as Jesus joined others for meals, we can open up our homes and ourselves to those in need.
- Taking The Time To Listen Not every statement needs a solution or needs to be solved. The ministry of presence is far more worthwhile than people think. We all need people and time to simple share our lives and talk. When we jump to solve someone else’s problems without invitation, we turn the situation back to us and our ability to solve problems. More often than not, people need someone to simply listen to them. We may not always agree with what is being said (and there is a time and place to confront this) but the ability to provide a sounding board for thoughts can mean the world to someone and show our genuine care and concern for them.
- Give The Spotlight to Another Service to someone else must be inherently selfless. It does not seek the praises or accolades of others. Service means we are free to allow someone else to be the star. The spotlight of attention can shine on the achievements of others. With no ego in the game, there is a sense of joy we can obtain from seeing someone else succeed.
We should avoid the temptation to serve in such a way that people become dependent or reliant on us for provision. That position belongs to Jesus Christ who alone is able to provide for people’s needs. Our service should serve as the outpouring of the grace and love of God in our hearts and point towards Jesus Christ. Service is the lowering of ourselves in order to exalt something else. By lifting them higher, we push them towards a deeper relationship with God. We become more like Christ in our willingness to serve others.
