A Heart of Service

Serving others, being served, worship service, service project, poor service, fantastic service. . . Service is a word that we use quite often in our lives. In fact, if we aren’t careful, I feel that we can lose sight of what the word “serve” actually means. I have experienced something similar, and I am quite certain we all have at some point. The dictionary definition of serve is quite simple, to perform duties or service for someone else, or an organization. Seems simple enough, do things for other people. However, as believers, serving is so much more than that.

Jesus was a perfect example of service. In fact, the Bible tells us in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus had all the reasons to come into the world to be served, but he came to serve. He served, the rich, the, poor, the lame, the healthy, his service saw no preferences. He simply came to serve, and eventually give the ultimate picture of service and sacrifice by dying on the cross. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t convenient, it wasn’t glamorous, but Jesus humbly served and carried out the plans of the Father.

What does this mean for us? I believe that we are called to serve. We don’t have to go overseas, or to another state to serve. It can start right here in our own homes, our church, and our community. We serve because we want to show the love of Jesus to everyone we come in contact with, expecting nothing in return but glorifying the the Father who has sent us out to serve. It’s not always easy, convenient, or glamorous, but if we obediently take advantage of the opportunities God gives us, He will be glorified.

Service looks different for all of us. Age, gender, occupation, and other factors give us all different avenues to serve, the important thing is that we willingly serve to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a world that is so desperate for the Love that only Jesus can give.

-Jess Whitehead
Student Ministry Associate