Service

What does service look like?
If we are to follow Jesus, we are to SERVE. What does that look like in your life? We often think it looks like serving at a soup kitchen or some other NGO. But Jesus didn’t just come and serve food or give clothing. He served by giving the truth of the Father. He came to bring us to God. And while we might be able to do that through the mercy of providing food or clothing, it cannot be the only way we serve. We must also serve by holding accountable those around us to God’s word.

Continuing in my readings of Ezekiel: Did not Ezekiel give up his important position as rabbi to become a prophet? Did Ezekiel also go through grand postulations in which everyone thought he was crazy?
Now I’m not suggesting you go out and stand on a soapbox and start proselytizing to the masses on a street corner (although if you feel called to do so, then go ahead.) what I am saying is that we need to take our ground right where we are with the people we know. Ministry and a missions trip do not have to be abroad nor reserved only for pastors; you, are a missionary in your everyday life. Think about that. Think about the impact you can have right where you are. What light can you shine on your neighbors? Your friends? Your family?

I find that I have too frequently let these opportunities pass me by for the sake of my own desires to just “be”. But is my “being” even a reflection of who God set me out to be? In my daily life am I an example of the love of God? Am I an example of gratitude? An example of service and grace and mercy? Am I too busy railing against what I don’t like that what I leave behind is my hatred? I’m reminded of these Casting Crowns lyrics: “No one knows what we’re for, only what we’re against when we judge the wounded.” Because that’s what it is when we rail against people with hatred. And it’s a fine line at times railing against injustice and spewing hatred at those that dole out these injustices. I am guilty. It’s so easy to look at the lost and judge them and have hatred and want them to pay for their deeds.
If I view my life as only being two-sided: knowing Christ and not knowing Him, then am I aiding the other side when I judge and rail against a person who is astray? How can I relay the message of God’s love but also hold accountable someone who is not behaving, while keeping God at the forefront?

If I only show my hatred and venom for what I am opposed to, that won’t lead to further dialogue, but merely further the divide. At times the divide is not only wide, but there seems to be no ability to cross it. But we are to act in love, grace, and mercy. We may not reach the perpetrator of actions against us, but we have to remember that there are always more people involved in what happens against us. There are the silent witnesses to our response to what has happened to us. These might be people we think don’t care or are even on our side. But we need to remember we are witnesses to them of God’s love in our lives. I have always said that the true test of character is not who we are in a good situation, but a bad one. And that’s not in my mind because I have accomplished it. Nope. It serves as a constant reminder and a means to correct my behavior. Let’s face it, I can behave all sorts of sinful without leaving my house with nobody home. Let me loose in the world and add people to that mix, and wow, that’s some cocktail! So I think it’s important to mix gratitude in with every single day because it’s the gratitude that enables me to keep tuned in to the fact that other people are going through their stuff, too. And just because I have been hurt by others doesn’t give me license to forget who I am. That the Holy Spirit lives in me. That God has given me grace, mercy, and forgiveness and that I am to forgive others the way he has forgiven me.