Spiritual Disciplines: Serving

Spiritual Disciplines: Serving

In America, our culture has heavily promoted the idea that “It’s good to be king.” We push the princess and diva ideals on our little girls, while pushing the big-boss and alpha-male ideals on our little boys. Ultimately, these ideals yield self-centered adults who believe the ultimate goal in life is to be served rather than to serve others. They don’t want to be the maid or the helper; they want to be the one dishing out orders and being waited on. In our society, that is the quintessential mark of status.

But, as with so many things in the Bible, God calls us to do just the opposite. He calls His children to live counterculturally. He intends for us to live in a way that blesses others and gives glory to Him (see Matthew 5:14–16). It is a call to servant leadership and service to others. It is not a call to climb to the top, lord our power over others, and sit back and enjoy it as they work to please us. Instead, it is a call to work in the service of others so they will see the good works we do and give glory to God (see 1 Peter 2:12). The ultimate goal is to draw people to God and show them how much He loves and cares about them. 

Jesus was the perfect example of servant leadership, and He was very clear with His disciples about his feelings on this topic. “Jesus called them over and said to them, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. 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 10:42–45). 

God calls His children to live counterculturally. He intends for us to live in a way that blesses others and gives glory to Him

Of course, Jesus is the perfect standard, and we tend to fall back into our culturally taught habits. This is one reason why it is important to intentionally practice spiritual disciplines to train our hearts and minds to focus on God and what He wants us to do. In this instance, He wants us to serve others. As it says in 1 Peter 4:10, “each one has received a gift, use it to serve others.” And again in Galatians 5:13, “don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.”  For some, service comes more naturally than for others. But that is no excuse not to serve, because we are all called to serve. 

Service as a spiritual discipline requires effort and intentionality. It requires that we see other people and their needs, rather than just ourselves. And we will likely need God’s help with that. He knows that, and He planned in advance. He gives all His children spiritual gifts to equip us for service (see Ephesians 4:11–12). He also provides the strength and power we will need as we serve (see 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:13), and He directs and prepares our paths (see Ephesians 2:10). In every way, God has prepared us to serve others. 

So what does that look like today?

Let’s start close to home and then branch out. Serving others at home, or near us, may look like taking time every morning to ask a spouse, family member, roommate, or coworker what we can do for them today—and then doing it! Try that every day for a week or longer, until it becomes a habit. Serving others who are not in our daily circles may look like committing time to help out in a local nonprofit, visiting people who are lonely or in jail, helping neighbors with their yardwork, or volunteering at a local food kitchen. It could look like serving at your church—welcoming people in, helping with children and students, cleaning, or even going on a mission trip. All of these are ways we can practice the spiritual discipline of service.

If you haven’t gotten involved in service yet, we encourage you to do so. It is a great way to practice being like our Savior, Jesus Christ, and it is a great way to focus on what He wants us to do with our lives. It also helps us get to know Him more, to see the heart He has for His people. Take time today to talk to God about how you can serve, then act on His guidance. He has work prepared for His children, and you will find that it is much more fulfilling than following the cultural status-quo of “me first” (see Ephesians 6:8; Proverbs 11:25; 19:17; Acts 20:35).

If you attend an Experience Community Church campus and want to serve at your home church, check out our website at experiencecc.com. Under the “Authentic Community Service” tab, you can find an extensive list of serving opportunities, as well as local nonprofits and missions. 

See you next week on Experience Commentary.