Greetings in Christ,
One of the things which create a hang up for people to become Christians they do not want to give up their time. The statement has been made by many people they do not have enough time or energy to give to the church or the cause to help serve. Many believe they will become slaves to the church or the cause. They find it to be drudgery. They are more interested in fulfilling their own desires than to give up serving in any capacity to further the work of the church or Christianity. They miss out of the whole idea of being a servant.
There are documented studies which have been done on people who serve versus those who do not serve. Those who serve have a better outlook on life than those who do not. Those who did not serve in any capacity had the tendency to be unhappy and did not live healthy lives. Those who did serve had a better outlook on life and had better health. Those who served also did not focus on their own desires and troubles, but rather those who served wanted to help others achieve their desires or overcome their troubles. Those who served gave of themselves freely, and they did not regret their decision to serve.
Jesus was confronted by a lawyer asking how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him what the scripture had to say about that very question. The lawyer responded by saying love the Lord God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus told him that was all he needed to do to have eternal life but being the lawyer, he asked who his neighbor was. The answer became the story of the Good Samaritan taking care of the beaten man along the road while others had passed the man leaving him to suffer. I am sure the lawyer did not like the answer he received, but it had a point to it. If you love your neighbor, you will be glad to be of service to them.
There is freedom in serving others. Society gets serving and being a slave turned around. A servant willingly does things as an act of service. A slave is ordered to do things which they may not want to do which is why many people tend to look at Christianity as being a salve; they have to do something they do not want to do. To be a servant is to be free. When we willingly do things for other people, we give from our heart out of love; a love which flows from God through us to others. This love which flows from God has powerful ways of changing people from both sides, the serving and the receiving.
There is a transforming power which happens when we serve. It gives us a different outlook on life. We feel the love of God flow though us which gives us hope. It helps us realize God’s still on the throne and He will fulfill His promises. God has never been shy about sharing His resources with those who are righteous. We forget He owns all the resources we need, and He wants us to share with others what He has done for us, and He will give us all the love we need to truly serve others.
That is why there is freedom in serving. It is not ours in the first place to give, but rather we share what God has given us. God has more than enough for us to go around for everyone to serve each other. It is the desire of God to see us transformed into the image He created.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. The Lord performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens; are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” Psalm 103:1-14
Lord may we serve others with the love You give us and may we all be transformed into the image You so desire. Amen
Blessings,