Most of us would probably agree that we are called to serve in some way or another. Quite what it means and how we implement a lifestyle of serving, we’re not so sure. But something in us nags away at our selfish tendencies.
Ecclesiastes serves as a reminder about the ultimately unfulfilling nature of a life lived for self. Having tried accumulating great wealth he turned to power. When power and wealth failed to satisfy he tried pleasure, fame and celebrity. But they all left him with that empty feeling that caused him to declare that is was all “like chasing the wind”. Ultimately pointless and totally unfulfilling.
We were not created to chase the wind, pursue pleasure or accumulate wealth. We were created for a purpose, to join God in his great mission to bless the world, to reclaim, redeem and fix this broken world.
Mark 10:32-45
Based upon his own example he calls those who follow him to become like him in serving others rather than promoting self.
Why we don’t serve
#1 We get distracted
#2 We get demotivated
#3 We delegate to others
#4 We’re denied opportunities
Why we do serve
#1 It’s an expression of God’s mission
#2 It’s an expression of true freedom
#3 It’s about following Christ’s example
How we serve
#1 We serve Christ by serving others
#2 We serve wholeheartedly
#3 We serve in accordance with our gifts
Conclusion
Jim Wallis said: Find out what you do best and then do it in a way that makes a difference.
Service serves the purposes of God. It is a missionary endeavour.
If we are to follow Paul’s injunction in Romans 12 to overcome evil with good, then to do will surely involve acts of service.
