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Joy in Serving
Read: Philippians 2:1-11
When you think about serving, what comes to mind? Going on a short term missions trip, serving meals to the hungry, or building houses for the homeless? Are there times you expect to be served, such as when you go to a restaurant, store, spa, or theater? We often think of serving as times when we gave large portions of our time, efforts or resources to the poor or needy. In other settings we expect others to serve us. But Paul says serving should be a way of life. It’s not just an isolated event or something you do on a semi-annual basis. We should be looking for ways to serve others all the time, everywhere we go. Serving someone doesn’t have to be something big; it can be a small gesture such as opening the door for someone or making them a cup of coffee in the morning at work. Being a servant means having a servant’s attitude, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing. Paul commands us in Philippians to always consider the needs and interests of others before our own. Our attitudes should be the same as those of Christ Jesus who humbled himself and took on the nature of a servant.
To be a servant requires God’s strength. Our human nature is to look out for ourselves first to make sure our own needs are met. It is God’s power at work in us that allows us to serve others and put their needs above our own. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil 2:13). Jesus exemplified the qualities of a servant when he washed his disciples’ feet. Washing peoples’ feet was a custom of the time and was usually the job of the lowliest household slave or servant. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, not primarily for the purpose of cleaning them, but to make a point about humble service. We are to follow Jesus’ example to humbly and unconditionally serving God and others, even when the task doesn’t fit our role or job description.
When we serve others, God notices. In fact, whenever we serve others we’re serving God (Matt. 25:40). He blesses us when we honor and obey Him. In Matt 20:26-28 Jesus states, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus was God, yet he didn’t come to this earth expecting to be served. He came to serve us. His ultimate service to mankind was to give His life for us. After his death, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above all names. The way up is to first go down. Let us serve others, not to exalt ourselves or bring ourselves glory, but to bring God the glory and He will lift us up in due time.
Reflect: Read Philippians 2:1-11 again and reflect on the following questions:
- What is your view of serving? Is it something you do a few times a year? Monthly? Daily? How can you incorporate it more into your daily routine? Pray that God would help you to have a servant’s heart towards those he places in your path.
- What are some tangible ways in which you can serve people this week? Start by thinking about small ways in which you can serve them and jot them down as a reminder to yourself. Reflect back at the end of the week on how God used you.
- On what occasions do you expect to be served? How might God be challenging your attitude and calling you to serve those who serve you in return?
Remember: Weekly memory verses
“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil 2:2-4, NIV)
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