Service as an Expression of WorshipSample

Do You Understand What God Did to You?

Have you ever thought you understood something, only to realize you didn't when you tried to put it into practice? This is like when Jesus tells us to serve others, and we go home to try to do so but end up serving with a sense of superiority or inferiority, obligation, or guilt as victims or mercenaries. The result is anything but happiness. We fail to truly understand the lesson, let alone put it into practice correctly.

Perhaps we should consider revisiting this text by going back to school and studying it again. It's important to remember that the efficacy of service is not determined by what you do but rather by why you do it and on whose behalf you do it. Service should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a greater whole that brings you a sense of fulfillment. This sense of fulfillment should be derived from your identity and the reason why you engage in the service rather than from the position or role you play in the process.

We are sent by God. As we extend our hands to embrace others, they can feel the presence of a God who cares, provides, protects, or is simply present through our act of service. Through us, the other person can come to know God.

You can distinguish between what Jesus says: "Whoever receives the one whom I send, receives myself, and in receiving me, receives the one who sent me." And, what we usually say to ourselves: "I'll serve you if you serve me in return." The former is an ambassador who wants to represent His role in the best possible way, while the latter uses power to impose himself. The former can govern by guiding people to follow God's path, while the latter can only aspire to have his own kingdom and reflect insignificant glory.

Dear Father, as I strive to serve in Your name, I ask for Your guidance in understanding what You want to accomplish through me in the lives of others. I desire to be a part of Your blessings, comfort, and joy, and to ensure that my actions do not overshadow Your supernatural work. Thank You for selecting me as Your instrument. Amen.