Spiritual Disciplines: Service

Not all Spiritual Disciplines need to be done on your own in solitude and silence. As we discussed this past Sunday, reading Scripture and Bible study are good to do both on your own and in a small group setting, as well as individually. Another Spiritual Discipline that works best when done with others is serving. For Christians, we are called to serve one another, put the needs of others before our own, and care for those who are weak. James says that true religion is “to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27). Jesus told His disciples after He had washed their feet that they should wash each other’s feet, that is to serve each other (John 13:1-17). He also said that for those who truly follow Him that they are to care for the hungry and thirsty, show hospitality to the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit those in prison (Matthew 25:31-46). He even said of Himself that the “Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

There are many areas and ways in which we can serve others — there is no shortage of need in our culture! But as Christians we’re actually called to care for the needs of fellow believers first, and then move outward from there. In more than one location in Scripture we’re called to serve one another (Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:10). This is a reminder that as we’re part of the same body we need to care for the body first before we can effectively care for others. As we care for, serve and love each other we will honour God. And the wonderful by-product of that is that those on the outside looking in will see how we care for one another and they will be drawn to us by God’s Spirit.

On Sunday we gather to learn and grow and receive from God, but we also gather to serve — the two go hand in hand. This Sunday I encourage you to come with the mindset and purpose of serving others, of looking to the needs of others before your own. Our gathering will start at 4pm, but you are welcome to come earlier (3:15pm) for prayer. Hope to see you there.

Blessings, Pastor Mike