“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

The template of selfless service with love was laid by Jesus 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, Christ empowers us to put the needs of others before our own needs, even if there is nothing in it for us. The word of God is telling us today to embrace selfless service, as a true form of service, and to be altruistic in our relationship with one another. It is wrong to render service only when there is “something in it for us”. 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 benefit 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 and yet think they are serving Him;
- 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 demand 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.
Today’s word reminds us that true service is a sacrifice. Sacrifice means to serve the need of others first, when It is most difficult to do so, before considering oneself. It is only in true service that we are richly blessed.