Why Do We Serve One Another?
In Mathew 25, Jesus speaks to the disciples and shares the idea that whatever his followers do unto the “least of these, you are doing it to me” (Matthew 25:40). Service isn’t about a to-do list, but when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, or show hospitality to the stranger, it’s a symptom of what happens, or what should happen, when we follow Jesus. Because we have a relationship with Jesus, his love for us and others should compel us, from our innermost being, to serve one another. It should be a natural response to Christ’s love for us, getting our eyes off of ourselves and seeing and serving people as he did.
1 Peter 4: 8-11 says, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.”
Several years back, a pastor mentioned, “We aren’t waiting for the move of God; we are the move of God.”
This statement requires some thought because it seems profound, but maybe a little prideful. But the more you wrestle with it, the more you’ll see the truth in it. God doesn’t need us to accomplish his work here on earth, yet, he still chooses to partner with and use us. And as Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4, he also equipped us to do his work. Jesus once told his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields” (Matthew 9:38).
The Christian Faith Isn’t A Spectator Sport
We weren’t meant to sit on the sidelines but to get in the game. We are all the answer to the prayer for more workers. So, today, ask yourself, “What does walking out 1 Peter 4:8-11 look like for me? What does it look like to get put in the game? What does putting my faith into immediate action look like regarding the harvest?”
Everywhere we look, we see evidence that the world needs more Jesus followers — people who really know him and are in a growing relationship with him. Our future school board members, teachers, educators, first responders, local and federal politicians, business owners, and world changers are in the nursery, the 3-year-old classroom, and elementary classrooms, and they are the teenagers and young adults here on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. You may be the difference in their lives to point them more to Jesus. The beauty of being a part of the local church is that we carry the answer to our world and society. Walking out our faith and serving one another is how we make an impact and look like Jesus to the world.
If you feel it’s time to answer the call and get involved in this church, click here and sign up, or email our TeamWC ministry to find a place to serve.