Teaching Kids Gratitudeনমুনা

Freedom to Serve

“Mom, I can’t reach,” my youngest daughter said. Looking down, I had a hard time repressing a smile at the sight of her—pint-size, wearing a hairnet and gloves, and looking up at me with a grin.

“No problem,” I said, finding a stool for her to step on. I slid it over to the tables and gestured toward it. “Hop up.”

Clambering onto the stool, she gave me a thumbs-up to let me know she was ready.

Our family had signed up to work a shift at Feed My Starving Children, an organization that provides food for those in need.

As I scooped grains and sealed bags over the next couple of hours, I couldn’t help but be thankful for the day’s work. Though I enjoy volunteering and helping others, the truth is that I benefit just as much as the person receiving the assistance. Nothing gets me out of a funk quicker than serving someone else. Whether it’s cooking a meal at a local homeless shelter, scooping grains that will be packaged and distributed to those facing hunger, or picking out school supplies for local kids who can’t afford them, serving others is the best way to overcome our selfish tendencies.

Of course, we don’t serve God or others in order to earn our salvation—that is a gift, freely given. No, our desire to serve should arise from our response to our salvation. Gratitude—not guilt—is our motivation. Even Paul recognized this idea, writing to the church at Thessalonica, “We think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). We have freedom in Christ—to laugh, to sing, to praise him—and to serve. And when we do, our service glorifies God and celebrates the freedom we have in him.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Find a way to serve someone.