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Day 8 – Service
"Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9 NKJV) This passage in the book of Proverbs seems to be a calling to advocate for those who need it. This is truth, because often service entails speaking and standing up for those who cannot. The Bible is full of examples, none more obvious than the actions of the Lord Jesus. It is a worthy cause indeed, but sometimes we forget that service has many different forms.
Within Christian communities, we can unintentionally fall into the trap of believing we must change the entire world. When our eyes are fixed upon "the world" as such a lofty idea, we can forget about the needs of the people we see every day. In his book The Wounded Healer, Catholic theologian Henri Nouwen explains, "The paradox indeed, is that those who want to be for ‘everyone,’ often find themselves unable to be close to anyone."
The fact is that service can be as simple as a word to someone who is struggling, or extending a hand in compassion and understanding. It need not be grand. We serve each other because of our love for God and our fellow man. It is a sacred privilege but is capable of confusion. I would therefore like to give a word of clarification. Jesus states, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38 NKJV)
This is certainly true, but it is not why we serve. We don't serve to be blessed or obtain salvation. Our redemption comes from Jesus Christ and no work of ours. I pray the act of service remains with you throughout your Belmont experience and always.
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25 NKJV)
Brooke Pernice | SLA | Junior | Religion and the Arts
"Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9 NKJV) This passage in the book of Proverbs seems to be a calling to advocate for those who need it. This is truth, because often service entails speaking and standing up for those who cannot. The Bible is full of examples, none more obvious than the actions of the Lord Jesus. It is a worthy cause indeed, but sometimes we forget that service has many different forms.
Within Christian communities, we can unintentionally fall into the trap of believing we must change the entire world. When our eyes are fixed upon "the world" as such a lofty idea, we can forget about the needs of the people we see every day. In his book The Wounded Healer, Catholic theologian Henri Nouwen explains, "The paradox indeed, is that those who want to be for ‘everyone,’ often find themselves unable to be close to anyone."
The fact is that service can be as simple as a word to someone who is struggling, or extending a hand in compassion and understanding. It need not be grand. We serve each other because of our love for God and our fellow man. It is a sacred privilege but is capable of confusion. I would therefore like to give a word of clarification. Jesus states, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38 NKJV)
This is certainly true, but it is not why we serve. We don't serve to be blessed or obtain salvation. Our redemption comes from Jesus Christ and no work of ours. I pray the act of service remains with you throughout your Belmont experience and always.
"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25 NKJV)
Brooke Pernice | SLA | Junior | Religion and the Arts
Scripture
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 Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
