Introduction

As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another, it is a fitting time for personal reflection. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to continue doing what we have always done without pausing to consider if we need a change of direction. This is especially true in our spiritual lives, as we are bombarded with messages about what to believe, what to value, and what to pursue.

However, there is a stark contrast between what the world promotes and what the Word of God teaches. Sadly, many Christians have been influenced more by culture than by the Scriptures, often without even realizing it. The world values power, prominence, and prestige, but Jesus Christ said, "If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him" (John 12:26). In God's eyes, honor is not bestowed upon high-powered executives, celebrities, or prominent politicians, but upon the Christian who lives for Christ and serves Him.

I. Why Should We Serve God?

First and foremost, serving God should be seen as a privilege due to the greatness of the One we serve. He is our Creator and "the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light" (1 Timothy 6:15-16). Let us not be mistaken: God does not need us to serve Him. He is fully capable of accomplishing anything on His own.

Our service cannot add to what God does; it can only magnify who He is, extend His love to those around us, and express our gratitude for what He has done. The more we recognize our flaws and how deeply God loves us despite them, the more we embrace a servant mindset. We become less concerned with how our service makes us look good or even accomplishes good things for our friends. The focus of our service shifts to putting God at the center of attention and directing others toward Him by demonstrating His wonderful love.

When the disciples of Jesus sought prominent positions in His kingdom, He corrected them, saying, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:42-43). This goes against what our world promotes, but it should be the ambition of every believer: to serve the Lord in any way, in any place, at any time, and in any position He chooses.

II. How Do I Know I Am Truly Serving God?

It is impossible to love God without loving others. A true lover always loves everything related to their beloved, and in this case, the love of our Creator is expressed through loving our neighbor.

"If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister" (1 John 4:20-21).

The only way to love as Christ commands is by allowing God's love to flow through us. When we perfect our service by serving others, we truly serve God.

But what does it mean to serve others exactly? Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Service means finding practical ways to show others that they matter. It means saying, "You are important, and I want to demonstrate that to you!" We serve the Lord by serving those around us. After Jesus washed His disciples' feet, we might have expected Him to say, "Now you must wash My feet." Instead, He said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet" (John 13:14).

Are you seizing the opportunities God presents to serve Him? Perhaps this year, you can commit to being alert to the doors of service God opens for you. Instead of closing them because you believe you don't have enough time, talent, or resources, remember that being a willing and faithful servant of the Almighty God is the highest calling in life. So, do not let these opportunities pass you by.

III. We Serve Effectively When We Serve Together.

God does not want us to serve alone! Philippians 2:2 says, "Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind" (NIV). Why does God require this? Why can't you serve God on your own?

1. Because we are a family.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:9, "For we are co-workers in God's service" (NIV). If you are part of God's family, He wants you to get along with the other members of His family. In fact, God is more interested in the relationships you build while serving alongside others than in the service you do alone. He wants you to have good relationships with His family.

2. Because we need each other.

We need one another to serve. No one has all the talents. No one has all the gifts. God intentionally designed it this way so that you need me, and I need you, and we all need each other. "So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:5 NIV).

3. Because we achieve more and better results.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor" (NIV). Teamwork multiplies effectiveness. God wants to use you in ways you can't even imagine. You might say, "What do I have to offer?" Surely, you have something, but it's not enough. That's why you need other people in your life. God wants to use you, but He also wants to use you in a team where everyone helps one another.

God designed us to feel more alive and fulfilled when we are part of a team that is accomplishing something for His kingdom.

IV. Service as a Lifestyle: "Shine Where You Are."

Service to others is a way of life that every Christian should cultivate. However, this does not mean that we have to dedicate all our free time to volunteering or working in a public charity. The Lord does not divide our service into secular and religious, nor does He consider one more valuable than the other. His desire is that everything we do is done with a servant's heart.

Our example is Christ, who "did not come to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45). As His representatives, we should consider what our actions, attitudes, and words communicate. God does not usually require grand acts of service every day; rather, He wants His children to help meet the needs of others and demonstrate kindness and hospitality. Imagine how we would stand out in this selfish society if, like Christ, we treated the needs of others as more important than our own (Philippians 2:3-5).

Practical Examples of Service:

1. Within the Church:

a) Through ministry involvement: teaching, worship, youth, children, etc.

b) As individuals: through prayer, intercession, visitation, and companionship.

2. Community Focus:

a) Through church ministries: evangelism, visitation, helping the needy, missions.

b) As individuals: small acts of kindness, uplifting words, sharing literature.

Conclusion

To maintain a servant's heart, remember that Christ is your Lord. When you obey God and joyfully serve others, you bring glory to Him, exemplify the attitude of Christ, and invest in something of eternal value.

Do not let this year pass without setting a goal to become a better servant of God by focusing on serving others and modeling Jesus.

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