In November, the church here held its third annual cookout for the children at the orphanage. We started by gathering together for singing and a time of worship. Then the kids were set free to play on the playground or the soccer field. While the kids played, several of us prepared lunch. At one point I stepped back just to watch as they laughed and served together. It was a special moment to witness and made me reflect on the Christian call to service.
I could see four reasons why we serve coalesce in that one moment:
The first would simply be to help those in need. So many people in the world are hurting and Christ wants to use his people as an instrument of relief.
The second reason was that serving together brings us together as a church family. What better way to build relationships than to serve together?
The third reason I think God asks us to serve is to imitate Jesus. In John 13 when Jesus was finished washing the disciples feet he said in verse 15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” We see Jesus here as the Master and Lord of the universe humbly serving his disciples. What a beautiful picture of compassion and love!
Fourthly, I think that God tells us to serve because it can bring us joy and purpose. In those moments where joy and service meet is when I feel like I am where I am supposed to be.