For the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at scriptures related to the Building Blocks, which are spiritual practices we can adapt and use to “practice the presence of Christ.” Read more info about the blocks, or download the 2011 Soul Care Plan. Today’s Block is “S”, for service.
Today’s scripture: Matthew 20:20-28 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Brenda Corbello):
To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity. –Douglas Adams
Not many of us are comfortable with the whole concept of being servant. There is great difficulty in finding strength in service to others. This reminds me of many conversations I have had with my relatives about someone who married into our family who does not believe that he should have to do anything for himself. He grew in an environment where all of his needs were met by others. Someone picked out his clothes, someone made his meals. They cleaned his house, and laundered his clothes. Somehow he grew up believing that it was a sign of strength to simply pay someone else to do anything that you did not care to do for yourself.
What I have noticed about him is that he does not have much respect for the people who are taking care of his needs. Somehow, by virtue of the fact that he can afford to pay them to do things for him, he feels superior to them. I have also found that he does not seem to have much respect for people who choose to do things for themselves. I have heard him ask someone why they were mowing their own lawn. He said that you could “just pay someone to do that.”
We may not all take the whole servant concept quite as far as he does, but we still do not see the strength and honor in service. But this story demonstrates how Jesus taught His disciples that service was the only way that they would ever be successful in His ministry. Arrogance and pride have no place in the God’s realm.
There are many ways that we can be of service to others in our lives. We can be helpful at work. We can be generous with our time when someone needs us. We can do charity work. One of the ways I like to be of service is by helping my children do their chores sometimes. It always amuses me the looks they give me when I just step up and begin to assist them with a job that is theirs. I don’t ask for anything in return; I just offer to help and then move on when we are done. I have found that they are much more eager to do an extra chore when it comes up later. I think I may be teaching them the value of service without even saying a word.
I believe that an important component of service is love and kindness. I think the act of service loses its preciousness if it is done with resentment. I try to be constantly on guard that my attitude matches my intentions. I want to be of service, and I want to serve with love.
Prayer for the day: God, help me strive to be of service to You by being of service to those around me. And help me to serve with love.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.