Service – Mountainside Community Church

The Practices of Jesus:

Service

The Practice of Service

Teachings

When we serve in Jesus name, Jesus chips away at our pride and gives us his humility instead. Jesus said “I didn’t come to be served but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45).

Richard Foster wrote this: “More than any other single way the grace of humility is worked into our lives through the discipline of service … nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honour and recognition.”

Before you begin the practice with your family and support group, listen to this sermon to understand more about the importance of service and how it is essential to shaping you to become more like Jesus.

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Practice

There are diverse ways to serve, as Richard Foster writes:

“When we see someone intently listening to another human being, we are witnessing service in action. When we see a person holding the sorrows of another in tender, loving care, we are witnessing service in action. When we see someone actively guarding the reputation of others, we are witnessing service in action. When we see simple, everyday acts of kindness, we are witnessing service in action. It is in these actions and many more like them that we begin to get a picture of service.”

Start small and simple.

Think of a simple way to serve a family member; maybe your spouse or your children. If you don’t live with family then consider someone who you spend a lot of time with. Would they appreciate you listening and asking questions about their day/week? Is there a task or an action they have been hoping you would carry out? Can you do a chore that is normally someone else’s? You won’t have to think too long to come up with some decent ideas.

Another option is to think about someone who is elderly and/or lonely. Spend some time with them or give them a call and chat.

Make a meal for a new mom or a sick person.

Play with you kids.

If you are looking for more ways to serve, try this:

Set aside a half day or a full day and serve either your family or someone in need. Just be available or take on a task/project that would be a huge help. Take the kids out and leave mom/dad with some time of their own.