WHAT IS TRUE SERVICE?

18^th NOVEMBER 2019

^“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” – Philippians 2:3-5

Anyone who is not doing anything tangible for another, or even for himself does not appear to be relevant. In this journey of life, all men are tenants on earth, and the rent that we pay to God is our selfless service to others in such a way that only God is pleased. God will be pleased with us only when we allow love to flow through our hearts when we render service to others. This is what we refer to as selfless service with love. Selfless service with love goes with sacrifice, i.e. a willingness to help others overcome their weaknesses even if it means putting our own lives on the line. As far as Jesus is concerned, every man must be willing to die for the sake of helping others, just the way He himself died for us all. (John 15:13) Modern technology has sufficiently demonstrated Jesus teachings of sacrifice for the sake of others. You can find the footprints of modern technology in medicines, communication, telecommunication, etc. Men and women of altruistic motives have risked their lives throughout history to create groundbreaking inventions geared towards eradicating diseases, ignorance, and poverty. The template of selfless service with love was given by God Himself. The scripture tells us that, while we were condemned and dead to sin, God gave us a new life, while we were yet sinners, by giving us Jesus Christ to save us from the punishment we deserved. Jesus willingly assumed this obligation without any condition. Therefore, we must follow Jesus in loving others selflessly. In all of our interactions with others, we must put the needs of others before our own needs, even if we have nothing to gain. The word of God is telling us today to embrace selfless service, as a true form of service. Although it is necessary to get paid for the job we do for others, as a way of earning our salaries, yet, I must say that, once in a while, its good to give FREE services, especially if the other party has no means of paying us back. Why? some would ask. But remember, every good thing you do is a “road opener” for you to receive from God when you need God most in your life! While not saying, go die for others like Jesus did, definitely, there are so many things we can do to alleviate pains and suffering in our world today. The best way to go about it is to ask yourself; “how would I like others to treat me when I am in difficulty”? Certainly, you would desire pity and some form of assistance, right? Then, go do the same with others! In doing that, expects nothing in return! Beloved, don’t always ask, “Is there something in it for me”? If we did that, then we have not truly served, as our actions are not altruistic after all!  As children of God, we ought to extend love in service, and to serve with our heart opened to human feelings and Godliness.  Only then, can we reap the benefits of true service. One benefit of true service is that we are more aligned with God, and His glory is caused to manifest through us.  We are gradually transformed into God’s hands for doing good works. We become relevant to God when we allow His glory to radiate through us in service to others! Therefore, let us avoid the following:

–         Service with insincerity of purpose or Service with ease — when it is most convenient for us.

–          Service without respect for God – many call the name of God in vain, disrespect Him by stealing from others, or even abusing the vulnerable ones in the society.  

–         Service done with “eye service” or to please men -hypocritical service will only receive the applause of men but no reward from God;

–          Service done by compulsion, not willingly or cheerfully – God always demands the willingness of the heart when it comes to doing something for Him. This is the only one that He can accept; NOT service done for selfish reasons.

In today’s word, we learn that only true service would bring lasting riches to us!

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I declare I am imbued with power and Grace to render extraordinary service to humanity, all to the glory of God. AMEN. 

FURTHER READING:  Ruth 4:1-12; 2 Sam. 24:24