The Practice of Service
It seems like every family has that one debate or argument that never gets resolved. Maybe it’s about how to properly load the dishwasher, or which of the kids always received the lightest punishments, or whose idea it was to get the dog that destroyed the dining room drapes and who had been against it. For the disciples, the argument that pops up over and over was who would be the greatest among them. Jesus’ answer was always something along the lines of, “Whoever wants to be greatest must become the servant of all.”
At first, it sounds like Jesus is giving the disciples exactly what they want: a competition to settle once and for all who is the greatest. Really, this was Jesus’ sneaky way of helping the disciples rid themselves of their need to be great at all.
Below is a guide for incorporating the practice of service more deeply into your journey as a disciple. As you follow these invitations, pay attention to how your heart is oriented. If you find yourself serving with self-righteous intent and seeking results or rewards, you may still be trying to achieve your own greatness. Instead, ask God to bring you closer to the true meaning of service which is to transform a heart of pride into a heart of humility. Peace be with you.
Week One
Jesus taught that the left hand should not know what the right hand is doing. He’s trying to get us to practice hidden service in which we don’t broadcast to the world the good deeds that we do. This week, try serving others in your home, neighborhood, or office such that they’d never know it was you.
week two
Richard Foster suggests that the “service of small things” can often send ripples of joy and transformation through any community. Is there a small favor you can consistently give to someone in your community? Maybe it’s bringing their trash cans back up from the street or baking an extra batch of cookies to share with them each week. Find some small act of service that can become a habit for you and reflect on what that does for your relationship with your neighbors.
week Three
One often overlooked way to serve others is to create space for them to share their heart with someone who will just listen. It’s common for us to hear someone’s story or challenge and immediately try to either counter with a story of our own or to try and fix their problem. When you interact with people this week, consciously aim to just listen and ask questions. This act of service will help to bear their burdens.
Week Four
Our church is especially dedicated to serving children and their families as well as caring for the homeless. Take a look at some of the upcoming opportunities to serve the people at Blackwell Elementary, MUST Ministries, and Family Promise, and then commit yourself to partnering with one of these projects this year.