Purpose in Serving

I dislike taking tests. Something about testing brings out my insecurities and pride in equal measure, and I often act a fool.

I remember going to a retreat years ago. We were encouraged to take a spiritual gifts “assessment” (you and I both know that’s a cover for “test”) to determine our God-given strengths within the body of believers. This test intrigued me, especially when I learned that it’s more to reveal things already there within us. No right or wrong answers, you see. Yes! I’m going to kill it! That is my kind of “test”!

We sat quietly and answered page after page of questions. When we were finished, I was excited to find what my spiritual gifts were. My closest friend, however, was a little disappointed to find out that her spiritual gift was the gift of service. As we all tend to do, we compared gifts, and she seemed slightly annoyed that my gifts were faith and encouragement. I tried to encourage her (no kidding) about her gift and that these gifts are not in competition with each other; they all have value and are all essential in the body of Christ! No one gift is considered “better” than another to God. Still, I don’t think she was buying what I was selling.

The truth is, serving can feel like a simple and small thing, but it pays enormous dividends in the Kingdom of God. Not only is God glorified when we serve each other, but we are challenged, molded and refined in the process. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we human beings are selfish, self-centered and self-absorbed. Serving is the antidote to this malady, while the world’s answer is, of course, more self. Self-help. Love yourself more. It is highly countercultural to put someone else’s needs first. To sacrifice screen time for quality face-to-face time. To say no to binge-watching and yes to helping someone in need clean their home or move to a different house. Investing in the lives of the lost through service reaps eternal rewards for those we help and for us, too.

At age 16, Billy Graham and his friend walked away from a packed revival. It was only because an usher stopped them, found a couple of seats in a sea of people and directed them, that Billy Graham stayed. He heard the transformative message of the gospel and went on to serve God, making a monumental impact for the kingdom! That one simple act had far-reaching and eternal benefits! No doubt, generations were saved through one humble usher’s obedience and service. Most people there probably didn’t even notice, but God did! Talk about “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” Wow. You know that usher is going to have some serious bling in his crown!

Consider also how serving not only gets us off our selfish selves (I know, redundant and a bit ironic), but it also gives us a front-row seat to our own motives and agendas. Will I serve if there’s no spotlight? No recognition? Not even a simple “thank you”? Do I serve in order to get something in return, as if God’s favor and blessing were not enough? The praise of man? I am sure most of us have served with righteous motives, serving for God’s glory (which produces joy) and serving with selfish expectations, wanting our own glory (which breeds resentment and disillusionment). Contrast is one of the greatest ways God roots out our flesh and assists us in dying to self. Service can be the way He helps us get over ourselves.

The first time I saw a sign that said, “Do one thing every day that makes you happy,” I laughed out loud. Apologies if you own one of these signs; no offense intended. But let’s be honest: nobody needs a reminder to think of themself first. Jesus said to seek first His kingdom, not our own. Any 2-year-old can demonstrate how natural it is for us to think of ourselves first. Serving others takes surrender, commitment and obedience to God.

When we serve, we exercise our “others” muscles. While our culture tells us it’s all about us being happy and fulfilled first (in direct opposition to God’s word, which says to seek first His kingdom, Matthew 6:33), serving others emphasizes others. Here’s the crazy part, though: when we serve others, we get blessed more in the process! Jesus said it is better to give than receive, and serving is a great demonstration and manifestation of that truth.

Lord, help us step outside ourselves and serve you and others. May we not make excuses or make it about our comfort. God, protect us from the lies of the enemy that may tell us we don’t have what it takes, we don’t know enough, we aren’t good enough to help anyone else. I speak against the lie that says we need to get our own lives together before we can impact your kingdom. Lord, you have used broken men and women throughout history to accomplish your good plans and you can use our brokenness to serve a hurting world. Give us a holy confidence that comes from you, not from our self-focused pride. May we serve you with clean hands and hearts, not expecting something in return from it. Not serving to prove something to anyone or to you; just simple obedience and reverence to you. God, you are so worthy of our praise through service. Help us to serve you freely. In Jesus’ name, amen.