Service is
a spiritual discipline because we are all selfish. Humans aren’t born thinking
of others before themselves. But as we grow in faith and practice service, more
and more it becomes second-nature and a way of life. Our desire to serve grows
as we become more molded to Christ’s image.
Do nothing
from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another
as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal
interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in
yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5
We serve
others because Jesus did. Every single thing Jesus did on earth was in service
to the Father and in turn to us. Jesus’ entire ministry is often summarized as
humble service that included everything from feeding people to washing their
feet and dying on the cross for their sins (Matthew 20:20–28; Philippians
2:5–11). Many Scriptures encourage humble service and provide examples of what
it looks like:
a. “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 20:26–28)
b. “Now there was in Joppa a disciple
named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and
acts of charity.” (Acts 9:36)
c. “I commend to you our sister Phoebe,
a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a
way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for
she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.” (Romans 16:1)
d. “For you were called to freedom,
brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but
through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word:
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13)
e. “. . . in humility count others more
significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own
interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among
yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of
God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself
nothing, taking the form of a servant . . .” (Philippians 2:3–7)
In the church, humble service is so important that Scripture declares that the exercise of all natural talents and spiritual gifts are simply varied ways that service is conducted. On this matter, 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Service that is done in secret without the pursuit of human praise reminds us of how Jesus faithfully served us during His humble life on the earth.
Are you a
Pastor, Bishop, Special Apostle, Apostle, Special Mother in Isreal, Evangelist,
etc?
How do you
use your title? We have lost many sheep because of our pride of titles. Always remember
that we are all called to serve. Your service is the determinant of your
spiritual growth and discipline.
Peace be
unto you
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