Tag: serving others

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Christian Living

Dutiful and Obedient Love

A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none;
a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one.

Although these statements appear contradictory, yet, when they are found to agree together, they will be highly serviceable to my purpose. They are both the statements of Paul himself, who says: “Though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all,” and: “Owe no man anything, but to love one another.”

Now love is by its own nature dutiful and obedient to the beloved object. Thus even Christ, though Lord of all things, was yet made of a woman; made under the law; at once both free and a servant; at once both in the form of God and in the form of a servant.

–Martin Luther

Though you are a person who is free, have you placed yourself into a love relationship with God and others, choosing voluntary service to them?

You have told your spouse that you love her. Would she say that you serve her well?
You hug your children and tell them that you love them. Would they say that you serve them well?
You tell God that you love Him. Would He say that you serve Him well?

God told you that He loved you. Then He died on the cross for you. Jesus served you well with dutiful and obedient love! It is now my calling and your calling to go do the same for Him and for others.

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Serving Others

What Attitude Will You Take To Your Workplace Today?

Your Workplace…workplace caution sign stating - caution, people working

Does it ever get stressful?
Do you ever find it frustrating?
Are the situations you experience there unfair?

Certainly your workplace has some significant challenges. And yet, it is where God has placed you right now. He might move you somewhere different tomorrow, but for today… He has you in your current situation. And wherever He has placed you, there are people there that need you to serve them.

That isn’t always a cheerful thought, because we would prefer that someone serve us. But as a follower of Christ, you are called to be a servant… even to those rascals you work with!

“In the Workplace, believers are given an opportunity through the gospel to serve in several different directions—upward, downward, and laterally.”

“Serving upward means consistently working hard, knowing you ultimately work for the Lord. Believers should be the best employees on the job because they realize their work is truly done for God’s glory. Serving one’s supervisor well is a means of serving Christ Well. And if a believer works for another believer, he should serve that person even better.” (see 1 Tim. 6:1—2 & Col. 3:23-24).

“Believers Who are supervising others are given the opportunity to serve downward. By treating employees well and fairly, calling out the best of their gifts, the supervisor honors his or her ultimate Boss in heaven, who sees everything that’s done on the job…and who is not impressed with the lines and boxes on the org chart.” (see Col. 4:1).

“Most believers are also given the opportunity to serve laterally, assisting the colleagues who work alongside them. Because of the gospel, believers should encourage and serve these who are equal to them in responsibility, without being a burden to them, without being the slouch at the office who must continually be bailed out by others. One of the best ways a believer serves those who work alongside him is just to do his job well. That alone is more spiritual and gospel-centric than many people realize.” (see 1 Thess. 4:11-12).

You have the opportunity today to be a Workplace Pastor to the people who serve above you, below you, and beside you. How will you use that opportunity?

Why do we find it so hard to embrace this role of Workplace Pastor to serve those around us?

(Quotes from ‘Creature of the Word’ by Matt Chandler)

Categories
Serving Others

How To Properly Give A Cup Of Cold Water

How to Properly Give a Cup of Cold Water

“…if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” –Jesus

cold water coming out of kitchen faucetFor us to give someone this cup of cold water, it takes a lot of effort. First, we have to fight against gravity to get off of the couch. After completing that task, we then have to make the looooong journey into the kitchen to get a glass. Next, we are required to strain against a button on the fridge and patiently listen to the small rumble that tells us that the ice is on its way. The ice then magically pops into our glass. Then we strain against a second button to make the water to fill the glass (or you may have to choose option 2 and endure the arduous journey over to the faucet and laboriously turn the handle). Done. In less than 30 seconds, we have our glass of ice water ready to give to someone who is thirsty. And We never had to leave the comfort of our air conditioned home.

But what was actually involved in providing a “cup of cold water” for someone in Jesus’ day? They didn’t have our magical ice dispensers nor clean tap water from the faucet. Giving someone a “cup of cold water” meant taking the trouble to walk to the well or to the stream to draw a bucket of fresh cold water, perhaps even in the heat of the day. To “provide someone with a cup of cold water” meant engaging in an act of hospitality – not something that could be done in 30 seconds without any real effort.

The principle seems to be that God asks us to go out of our way to show hospitality to others. When we do so, we are imitating Him and showing His compassion and kindness.

Unfortunately, many of us (myself included) have forgotten how to provide generous hospitality. We are too focused on our own wants to take the time to serve others in humility. What sacrifices do I need to make today to bless someone else through my hospitality?

When have you been blessed by someone else’s “unlooked for” hospitality?
Any good examples you have encountered that could spur us on in this direction?