Get the appBelmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample
Day 33 – Service
Service is one of those concepts that tend to create a visceral reaction. One person might hear service and think of the time they went on a Habitat for Humanity build and got to work and see the fruit of their labor and know they’ve done a good deed and that it positively impacts the family that gets that house. Another may have helped a friend move and got nothing but a sore back and a bitter taste of under-appreciated or unappreciated response from the friend. Either way there are many times that our thought on service is connected to the response we feel immediately after we have completed our task.
I think that our default setting is to want to be served, and assisted, especially when we feel as though we deserve assistance, or we’ve earned a helping hand because of what we are going through or have been through. The beauty of service in a Christian mindset is that it flips the script from a selfish or inward bent of thought to an outward mode in which we can see purpose, gifts and goodness impact the world around us. Additionally there is a deep joy and fulfillment that comes from enhancing someone else’s experience, life, or circumstance that gives us a window into the immense love that God has for us, His creation.
Jesus models for us the purpose of service, and how life-giving and life-changing it can be for the servant. It is not for my happiness. It is not so I can feel like I’ve checked off a good deed, but it is showing a glimpse of unconditional love that the world sees as ridiculous.
Luke 2 begins talking about loving your enemies and is where we find the Golden Rule of do unto others how you’d like to be treated. That is just the beginning! The amazing aspect of the Golden rule is that in service we love and do unto others without the expectation of that same grace and love and service being given to us. It is a gift we give to everyone, our loved ones, families, friends and enemies.
When we serve without any expectation of reward we see a glimpse of Gods indescribable love for us.
To serve is a gift to others, and it is a gift to you!
BRYAN MILLER | Residence Director | Patton Hall
Service is one of those concepts that tend to create a visceral reaction. One person might hear service and think of the time they went on a Habitat for Humanity build and got to work and see the fruit of their labor and know they’ve done a good deed and that it positively impacts the family that gets that house. Another may have helped a friend move and got nothing but a sore back and a bitter taste of under-appreciated or unappreciated response from the friend. Either way there are many times that our thought on service is connected to the response we feel immediately after we have completed our task.
I think that our default setting is to want to be served, and assisted, especially when we feel as though we deserve assistance, or we’ve earned a helping hand because of what we are going through or have been through. The beauty of service in a Christian mindset is that it flips the script from a selfish or inward bent of thought to an outward mode in which we can see purpose, gifts and goodness impact the world around us. Additionally there is a deep joy and fulfillment that comes from enhancing someone else’s experience, life, or circumstance that gives us a window into the immense love that God has for us, His creation.
Jesus models for us the purpose of service, and how life-giving and life-changing it can be for the servant. It is not for my happiness. It is not so I can feel like I’ve checked off a good deed, but it is showing a glimpse of unconditional love that the world sees as ridiculous.
Luke 2 begins talking about loving your enemies and is where we find the Golden Rule of do unto others how you’d like to be treated. That is just the beginning! The amazing aspect of the Golden rule is that in service we love and do unto others without the expectation of that same grace and love and service being given to us. It is a gift we give to everyone, our loved ones, families, friends and enemies.
When we serve without any expectation of reward we see a glimpse of Gods indescribable love for us.
To serve is a gift to others, and it is a gift to you!
BRYAN MILLER | Residence Director | Patton Hall
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!
More
We would like to thank the students, faculty & staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
