Choosing to Serve Where Needed

August 19, 2019

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them . . . I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19; 22b-23

Jesus walked hundreds of miles. He likely often slept on the ground. He didn’t have a scheduled mealtime or even know that one was coming. He was pawed at by people. He got dirty. He had to deal with the bickering of His coworkers. He washed His follower’s grimy, smelly feet. He did what was needed. While pursuing that end, there was no task beneath Him.

Paul was a Jesus-follower who exactly modeled himself after his Master. He knew that the lifestyle of a servant was what Jesus lived, and what He called His followers to live. Paul’s choice was to serve anywhere he was needed, any way he was needed, without being asked. It was his choice. He knew that meeting their very human needs unselfishly would give the gospel an opportunity.

Likewise, Christ’s followers should choose to put no limits on their willingness to serve; whether that means going abroad or going into the not-so-nice part of town; giving to missions or giving up free time; changing a tire or changing a diaper. It means serving without attitude or reluctance at home, at church, at work, in the community—wherever there is a need, servants in the style of Jesus step up to serve.

This was the major reason the early church stood out. Jesus said they should be noticeably different, and nothing would do it in their self-focused world like unreasonable, unselfish service. It is still true. The way to get people to hear our message is to see our service; our willingness to serve anywhere, anytime, at any cost to our personal convenience, in the name of Jesus. They can find fault with our message, but they can’t fault unselfish, consistent, and loving service—service that gives our best anytime, anywhere.

• If we were to rewrite Paul’s words, likely most of us would have to say, “I have become some things to some people, as I find the time and energy.” We limit our service to what is convenient, reasonably easy, with the people we choose. Think about your life as a servant. Who are you sacrificially serving?
• Most of us are oblivious to the needs around us. In order to serve everyone Jesus style, we need increased clarity and vision. Pray today: Jesus, you know that living like You is not my natural bent. Even the word “servant” sounds foreign to me. But I want to be like You. Help me choose to do as You do willingly, and not based on my feelings. Open my eyes to see the world around me. Shock me, move me with the needs around me. Give me wisdom to know what to do, and I commit to obeying what You say. Amen.