Joy in Service
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4
It’s been said that “there’s no faster track for your soul to find satisfaction than on the path of servanthood.” In fact, Jesus himself said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Followers of Jesus should have a servant spirit that always looks “to the interests of others.”
Sometimes servanthood is poorly understood. While everyone is equal in Christ, not everyone’s roles are equal. A servant-minded mother still has authority over her child. A servant-minded CEO never abandons the responsibility to lead. Ultimately, the attitude and actions of the Christian are characterized by servanthood, not the position that person holds.
A believer in Christ desires to imitate the servant spirit of Christ. Since Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened” (Matthew 11:28), his followers reach out to people who need rest, comfort, and help. They serve as a channel of his grace to people who are infected with HIV/AIDS, lost in the cycle of poverty, or devalued because of their skin color. If the quest for hope is universal, doesn’t it make sense to share the joy and satisfaction we have received from Jesus?
Jesus served for the joy set before him. Christians too delight that others will be privileged to taste heaven’s enduring grace through their service!
Dear Lord, help me to do for others as I would have them do for me. More important, forge Christ in me so that he will minister through me. In his name, Amen.
About the author — Calvin Hoogendoorn
Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn serves as senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Previously he served two churches in Illinois. He and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
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