Serving as a way of life

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10: 45

Today I am feeling very thankful for the people who serve us. We went to play golf early this morning to avoid the hottest part of the day and, early though it was, people were clearing up the litter and glasses which had not been returned to the bar from the night before. The ladies room was freshly cleaned. Half way round I left a golf club behind in a bunker and one of the marshals went and got it for me. All these people were doing their job but they did it gladly and well and with a smile.

There was a television programme a little while ago when Michel Roux, a famous chef took on some young people and taught them how to serve in a restaurant. It was more than correctly laying a table or serving the food and wine in a certain way. It was an attitude – a delight in serving for the sake of serving.

As Christians, we too should aspire to serve and serve well. I love it when our churches get involved in community projects and show the love of Jesus in practical ways. It is good too when churches have people who love to serve and teach the younger generation how to do this as well. How nice it is when the youngsters are not the first ones in the queue for food but let others go first and when they help with the clearing or washing up.

So often young people aspire to be worship leaders or preachers and those are worthy aspirations but serving on the tech team, welcoming people, serving tea and coffee are acts of service to be encouraged.

A community of believers who seek to show Jesus’ compassion and serve others is a powerful testimony and is following in Jesus’ footsteps. He is the Son of God, the Lord of Lords and King of Glory yet he came not to be served but to serve by giving his life as a ransom for each one of us.  He is a marvellous example to follow.

Today let us thank God for all those who serve us and help make our lives easier. Let us renew our acts of service with enthusiasm and today if you have become discouraged in your service especially if you feel unappreciated, let God refresh you and help you recover the joy in serving.