Articles
Service with a Smile
Service with a Smile
Jesus showed the greatness of service by washing the disciples' feet (John 13:12-17). As they fought over who was the greatest, Jesus revealed that He came to serve and not to be served (Mat. 20:25-28). God refers to Him in the great prophesy about His suffering as "My Servant" (Isa. 52:13; 53:11). Why, then, are we more apt to jockey for prominence, position, power, and prestige? Is it not that, in such times, we've lost our focus and stopped "looking unto Jesus" (cf. Heb. 12:2)? What are some practical ways we can reflect Jesus through service?
Consider the following as a pump-primer:
*Write a note of encouragement
*Pleasantly let a merging driver merge in front of you
*Fervently pray for the good of someone who has been hurtful to you
*Meet a widow(er) for lunch or coffee
*Volunteer to babysit so a young couple can go on a date
*Anonymously send a small amount of money or gift card to a college student, preacher student, or missionary
*Visit a shut-in
*Participate in a feeding the homeless event
*Tell an elder you love and appreciate him
*Pay for the meal of a young family who looks like they could use the help
*Ask a neighbor if there is something you can be praying about on their behalf (and, if they're willing, pray for that on the spot) *Text or email someone you know is in a stressful circumstance and express confidence in them
*Take a small group to go sing for someone confined to a hospital or nursing home
*Volunteer to work with small children to make a craft or baked good for the elderly
*Police the bathrooms and pews at church and tidy up little messes you see
*Make visitors to our assemblies feel welcome and help them find a class or a seat (with a pleasant smile)
There may be profound ways we can serve, but realize that any act of service may be far more profound than we think. We may not know in this life how a simple act opens a heart and opens a door of opportunity for Christ. Think like a servant and seek ways to serve! The greater others think you are, the greater your need to serve. But however much or little you think of yourself, think of others. Then, serve them!
