Soul Care - Service
by Mary Elsbury
Having a car requires a few things like money for gas, insurance, and license plates. It also requires routine service like rotating tires, changing the oil, and replacing worn belts and wipers. While there are some people who are a whiz at maintaining their own auto, I am not. I rely on my local oil change place and auto dealer to provide the necessary services that keep my GMC running in top condition.
Service is considered an outward discipline because you “give away” something of yourself to others. Each individual needs to decide if this service will be given grudgingly or freely. There is a preoccupation with self today that suggests that our own personal goal is to be satisfied first, rather than pleasing God and His people.
Sure, we can say we serve at our church or organization, but is it done to make ourselves look good? Being a servant means seeking to meet the needs of others and willingly giving to accomplish something for the greater good of the Kingdom. I am part of the Tech Team at my church, running graphics, song lyrics, sermon slides, and being a part of the worship experience. I must admit that there are times when my alarm goes off at o’dark hundred on a Sunday morning, that I would prefer to roll over and go back to sleep instead of leaving the house to serve at church. But I can’t – it’s not part of my nature. Scripture shows me multiple examples of service to others. Jesus even tells us in John 12:26, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
The purpose of serving others leans on the second greatest commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It means offering your resources, time, influence, treasure, and expertise for the care and nurturing of others. So how do you accomplish this mindset? Here are a few suggestions:
Get involved in one intentional missional project yearly. Maybe it is helping build a house with an organization; working in a community garden to raise food for a neighborhood; cooking for a soup kitchen to help the homeless; or volunteering at a school.
Ask those close to you, “What can I do for you today?” Then follow through with their request.
Practice common courtesy and listen when someone is speaking to you. How many times do we ask, “How are you?” and then breeze past what the person is actually saying. Take a breath, give your full attention, and listen. You can pick up the nuances of pain, tiredness, and hurt in their tone. Kindness goes a long way to encourage others – and it doesn’t cost a dime!
Volunteer at your church. Help rock babies in the nursery, greet at the door, serve coffee, teach children, or join the tech team.
My hope is that you cultivate a servant’s heart to bless others for the sake of the Kingdom.
