Serving: Giving up oneself in caring ministry to another. (Galatians 5:13)
My husband and I were asked to be guests at a small group from our church. This small group happens to be a group of first responders. Our son is a police officer and the leaders of the group wanted us to share our perspective as parents. Well, we learned more than they did!
We learned that most (at least these) first responders do not like it when you tell them, “Thank you for your service” or when you buy them a meal! This blew my mind! I know what our son goes through as he serves his community and I make a point to say thank you to any first responder I see and buy them a meal, if I am able!
I truly mean thank you when I say it, but I found out these first responders feel guilty. They feel they are just doing their job. They are trained to do this job. They are not superheroes and feel they should not be thanked for doing their job! They often have dark jokes with one another as a way of coping and feel shame when they are thanked! (“If we only knew their thoughts”, they say.) This absolutely broke my heart.
Serving comes in many forms. As believers, we may think first of serving in our church. Serving is definitely sacrificial. We give up a piece of ourselves when we serve others. It may look like time away from our family, stepping out of our comfort zone, or being vulnerable for the sake of others. Jesus is the perfect example of someone Who served.
In keeping in step with Jesus as our example, He always made sure to spend time with The Father. He did not try to serve others in His own strength but only in the strength that God Himself gave. (John 5:19)
Whether you serve in your church, community, or city, don’t try to serve in your own strength. Allow God to fill the places where you are weak. Take time to refresh your own spirit so you can pour out to others.
Whenever my son goes on duty he always sends a text, “I love you Mom” before his shift. I pray for him, what he sees, feels, smells and hears. I can never know the darkness he experiences, but he serves because he cares and feels called by God to do so. His service may one day ask him to put his life on the line yet he still shows up to work!
Why do you serve? What is your motivation? Does it cost you personally?
Jesus gave His life for us because He loves us that much!
If you are currently in a serving ministry, we appreciate what you do and ask that you do it in the power of God for the glory of God, motivated by His love. (Colossians 3:17,23)
If you are currently not in a serving ministry to others, or don’t think you are, remember serving starts at home with your spouse, family and friends! Start there, and then see if God wants you to go beyond that to serve others who need to see Jesus in you!