To Serve

1/10/2026

1 Peter 4:10 " As each has received a gift, use it so serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Last year, we met a lovely young woman with a true servant's heart. She has a deep and abiding faith in our Lord. She also was raised in a culture that elevates service to others and a respect of elders. Sadly, that is very different than the culture I am used to. When we had her over for dinner, she was visibly uncomfortable when we told her to sit and relax while we prepared the meal. She explained that in her culture, younger people are taught to serve older people. A beautiful lesson indeed. Again, very different than what I am used to. She could not help herself as she grabbed several dishes and rinsed them to be placed in the dishwasher; she had to be of service somehow. She no longer lives close, and I miss her. 

In this new year, I am meditating on what it means to serve others. Is it just doing small acts of kindness? Is it opening your home and hosting meals for people? Is it giving funds to those in need? Is it visiting someone? Is it lending a hand, making a meal, talking to a stranger, or giving a hug?

Certainly, there are many careers that are service oriented, but what am I called to do as a disciple of Jesus? When He walked this earth, Jesus served others in all He did: in teaching, healing, feeding, and showing love and grace to others. With mercy and love, He served all of humanity by giving Himself unto death for the forgiveness of our sins. That act can never be matched and was utterly undeserved. Matthew 20:28 "Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

I think true faithful service has a component of being poured out. This, I believe, can take on many forms. Sometimes it is a physical act, like meeting a need for a person who may not be able to shovel snow, rake leaves, or do household chores. It may also mean taking on the full care of someone who can no longer care for themselves. It may be that you have been called to be a missionary or serve in your local church. For some, like my young friend, service seems to be part of their DNA; something baked into their very being. 

I know one of the areas God has called me to is listening to others when they are in distress. I know some people can do this without absorbing all the emotions that come with pain and suffering, but I cannot. Empathy compels me not just to listen, but to feel someone's pain as well. Would it be easier for me to not support others in this way? Certainly. Would I be listening to God's call on my life? Certainly not. 

Service is not easy; it takes time, intention, and willingness. Godly service also takes obedience, prayer, and being led by the Spirit. So often, however, it is easy to let "self" get in the way. It is something I have done thousands of times. We can even have the motivation of trying to fill the need just because a warm body is required. When service is of God, it fills both the giver and receiver, and when it is not, the receiver may be blessed, but the giver may be drained, frustrated, or even resentful. 

Be careful, fellow journeyer, to always be led by God. It is my prayer to do so as well. 

As always, I am a work in progress.