Serving as a spiritual practice
“Everyone’s plate is full; some of us just have bigger plates.”
This quote was given to me by a couple in our church that have demonstrated a significant capacity to serve within the context of our church community. For a time, I was a part of the group that had big plates, and I was proud of the capacity that I had for service. Sure, I would intentionally try to avoid eye contact with the Sunday school superintendent for July and August hoping that they would fill their teaching roster before they saw me. But, like many of us, I grew up with the understanding that the church needed people to serve, and it was our duty to fill as many of the needed positions as possible.
But what does it mean to serve as a spiritual practice? Yes, this may mean volunteering to teach that grade 5–6 boys Sunday school class (your kids min director would be excited), but I want to suggest that service starts long before we step into ministry opportunities. Service involves us viewing our time, gifts, abilities and energy as offerings to live out the two greatest commands: to love the Lord your God and to love your neighbour as yourself. Service, in its essence, is a choice to put God first and to elevate the needs of others to a place of prominence in your life; at times being willing to sacrifice your own wants and desires.
Acts of service can bring benefits and satisfaction, but if we serve for the perceived benefits, the benefits will always fall short of our expectation. However, if we offer our gifts, ability and, maybe more importantly, our availability to serve others as an act of worship that acknowledges all that God has done on our behalf, we will be drawn into a deeper, more reliant relationship with God. I have experienced the power and nearness of the Holy Spirit in times of serving others. Also, some of my closest friendships have been forged in the crucible of shared service. Serving others opens our eyes to the needs and, often, the injustices experienced by others. Service grows our empathy, compassion and love for those we choose to serve.
This is one of the greatest ways we can invite the next generation to grow in relationship with Jesus; invite them to serve with you. Model consistent, Holy Spirit led, and biblically informed care for others. This goes beyond simply telling the youth group that they need to set up chairs for the potluck or asking them to do what you think is beneath you. Participate in this important discipleship activity with them. Model what it looks like to sacrifice your wants and desires for the sake of others.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT). Let’s follow Jesus’ lead and choose service.
Resource Corner
The Familar Stranger by Tyler Staton
“In a generation that is seeking to experience God as they learn more about God, this book gives an opportunity to explore how the gifts of the Holy Spirit are taught in Scripture and practical ways that we can practice and “eagerly desire” (1 Corinthians 14:1) these gifts. I have found this book challenging, refreshing and transformative for my thinking surrounding the work of the Holy Spirit.”
