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Day 13 – Service
As part of the educational experience in America at an early age we are taught that sharing is a wonderful thing. Share your toys and snacks and friendships will blossom. Somewhere somehow something changes all of that education. Competition kicks in and it becomes a situation of every person for themselves. Long, long ago (1993) there was even a song in which the chorus was ‘I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours.” This mentality goes against the grain of what we are told biblically. Service to our fellow man is a call to duty as Christians. Whenever there is an opportunity to assist someone in need; we should provide that assistance. Understand service comes in many forms, but is quite often defined in different ways.
From the lips of Jesus the Christ in Matthew 25:35–40 the provision of comfort is being of service. Something I believe we have lost in society is encouraging one another on a regular basis. Assistance or encouragement in a time of need is definitely welcomed, but to offer a kind word of encouragement when the need is invisible can be very powerful.
In my infancy phase of Christian life, I battled against offering change or not offering change to those who asked me for it while walking down the street. I got to a point where I realized if I had it to give, I needed to do so. I could not judge a circumstance I knew nothing about. I now know the Christ who lives in me calls for me to not only assist, but to hold genuine conversations about His grace and mercy. I have found these conversations to be more of a blessing than the pain of parting with change as I used to believe (Proverbs 11:25).
While you are in college you will have ample opportunities for service, so take advantage of them.
As you go through this experience in the academy learn what it means to be altruistic. Learn from the perfect example Christ has given us. Most importantly, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14).
JEFFREY BURGIN | Associate Provost and Dean of Students
As part of the educational experience in America at an early age we are taught that sharing is a wonderful thing. Share your toys and snacks and friendships will blossom. Somewhere somehow something changes all of that education. Competition kicks in and it becomes a situation of every person for themselves. Long, long ago (1993) there was even a song in which the chorus was ‘I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours.” This mentality goes against the grain of what we are told biblically. Service to our fellow man is a call to duty as Christians. Whenever there is an opportunity to assist someone in need; we should provide that assistance. Understand service comes in many forms, but is quite often defined in different ways.
From the lips of Jesus the Christ in Matthew 25:35–40 the provision of comfort is being of service. Something I believe we have lost in society is encouraging one another on a regular basis. Assistance or encouragement in a time of need is definitely welcomed, but to offer a kind word of encouragement when the need is invisible can be very powerful.
In my infancy phase of Christian life, I battled against offering change or not offering change to those who asked me for it while walking down the street. I got to a point where I realized if I had it to give, I needed to do so. I could not judge a circumstance I knew nothing about. I now know the Christ who lives in me calls for me to not only assist, but to hold genuine conversations about His grace and mercy. I have found these conversations to be more of a blessing than the pain of parting with change as I used to believe (Proverbs 11:25).
While you are in college you will have ample opportunities for service, so take advantage of them.
As you go through this experience in the academy learn what it means to be altruistic. Learn from the perfect example Christ has given us. Most importantly, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14).
JEFFREY BURGIN | Associate Provost and Dean of Students
About this Plan
This 40 day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
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We would like to thank the students, faculty & staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
