MAR 15

Philippians 1:23-26
Memorise Philippians 1:26
“Let all your things be done with charity.”

ARE YOU WILLING TO SERVE SACRIFICIALLY?

While we are to be most concerned for the lost souls of unbelievers, what should our attitude towards our fellow believers be? Yes, service is still necessary. They may be saved, but for the saved, their spiritual journey has only just begun. Paul describes this in Philippians 1:25 as the “furtherance and joy of faith”. The believer’s faith needs to grow and with it his joy as well. Paul also expressed his desire to depart and be with Christ in heaven, for it was “far better” than life on earth. This was his preference, his heart’s desire. Yet he knew that what was far more needful, was that he remain and serve, for he knew that was God’s calling for him at that point of time.

We all have our preferences, don’t we? Some of us prefer to be quiet and unnoticed serving in the background. Or we prefer to serve in areas where we find enjoyable and shun areas that we don’t like. Some of us are even tempted to be lazy and take a more laid back approach to service if at all. Was this Paul’s preference? Although he much preferred to depart and to be with Christ whom he loved dearly, yet he knew that what was important was not his personal desires, but what God wanted him to do. He knew that he should stay and minister to the brethren in Philippi for their spiritual benefit, and so he did that joyfully.

Some of you may think that service isn’t for you. Service is for leaders only, you may say. How can someone like me be of service? The reality is that we are all called to serve one another in one way or another. Hebrews 10:24 says that we are to consider one another and provoke one another unto love and good works. This is a form of service. It can take a simple gesture like a word of encouragement. Or it can be being part of the Exco of a fellowship group in planning activities that will edify members. We can serve in the simplest ways or we can serve in something on a larger scale. There are always opportunities for us to serve. The attitude of service is key. Paul’s attitude is one of selflessness. It is not what I want but it is what benefits others the more that is more important. Paul was happy to set aside his wants so that “your rejoicing may be more abundant”. This should be our disposition as well. It is the attitude of a true servant of Christ.

Thought: Do you expect anything in return when you serve?
Prayer: Father, help me to be worthy of being Thy servant.