service: contribution to the welfare of others
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Back in the day, the old and the infirmed were kept in the home as long as possible. Granddaddy was a farmer, and when his second wife, Aunt Cora developed diabetes he needed help tending to her.
Mama never said why, but she just couldn’t do it. Her servant’s heart and hands couldn’t get it together. That’s when Aunt Roz stepped up.
South Georgia heat and humidity start creeping up in April. And in the 1950s no one had air-conditioning. Nevertheless, every morning Granddaddy helped Aunt Cora get dressed, including hose and shoes.
A week before Christmas, my Aunt Roz went to be with Jesus. Jesus knew about foot washing, didn’t He? I’ll bet He gave His child a hug, a handshake, a high five, and a fist bump as soon as she entered His presence.
“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:37-40 MSG
Jesus did more than teach and preach about compassion and service. Over and over in the gospels, His acts of service are recounted.
As he went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
Matthew 14: 14 RSV
(See also Matthew 9:36, 15:32; Mark 6:34, 8:2; Luke 7:13.)
When we choose to obey and commit to His calling, when we rest in the assurance and revelation He provides for us, and collaborate with other believers, we become empowered as leaders to serve Him through serving others.
I know you’re out there doing amazing acts of service, Dear Reader. Maybe you don’t think they’re a big deal, just the right thing to do. You may not be doing them for any kind of recognition, but our Heavenly Father still sees, and I’ll bet He’s already looking for a special way to love all over you for your gift of service.
The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.
Proverbs 11:25 MSG