The Heart of Service: Giving Our Time, Talents, and Treasure
As followers of Christ, we are called to live a life of service to others. However, in a world that values self-satisfaction and self-fulfillment, it can be challenging to prioritize serving others. We often find ourselves busy with demands from work, friends, family, and errands, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and worn out. It’s tempting to put off serving others until another time, but the truth is, there’s never a perfect season for serving.
The Cost of Service
Service to others comes at a cost to ourselves. We must surrender our time, talents, and treasure to give to others. This can be a difficult choice, but it’s one that requires us to lift our eyes off ourselves and onto Jesus, who gave his life in service to us. As we consider the cost of service, we must ask ourselves, “What is it costing me today to serve others?”
The Value of Hidden Service
Not all service is visible or recognized. Some of us may be limited by chronic pain or other circumstances that prevent us from serving in traditional ways. However, our service is not measured by its visibility or recognition. God sees our efforts and knows our deeds done in humility. Whether we’re praying for others, listening to their struggles, or teaching children, our service is valuable and important.
Giving Our Money
When it comes to giving our money, it’s tempting to think it doesn’t really matter. However, our money is a means by which God accomplishes his purposes. Giving is an act of worship, and it requires sacrifice. We must ask ourselves, “How sacrificial is my giving?” As we give, we must do so with generosity, cheerfulness, sacrifice, and love.
The Overflow of a Grateful Heart
Our service and giving should be an overflow of a grateful heart. We serve and give because we’ve been blessed by God, and we want to bless others. As we reflect on our service and giving, we must ask ourselves, “Is my service and giving an overflow of a grateful heart, or is it motivated by something else?”
The Discipling Life
The discipling life is an others-oriented life. It labors in the power of God to proclaim Christ and present others mature in Christ. As we serve and give, we must do so with the goal of discipling others. We must ask ourselves, “Am I living an others-oriented life, or am I focused on myself?”
Conclusion
Service and giving are essential components of the Christian life. As we consider our service and giving, we must ask ourselves, “What is it costing me today to serve others?” and “Is my service and giving an overflow of a grateful heart?” May we be encouraged to serve and give with generosity, cheerfulness, sacrifice, and love, reflecting the love we’ve been given by God.
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