LIFESTYLE OF SERVICE FOR IMPACT (2)

“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” – Mark 10:43

God would have all His children embrace and sustain a LIFESTYLE of SERVICE for IMPACT: “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mk.10: 42b-43). The greatest among Christ’s followers should be the servant of all.

Serving others is serving God. Serving others is a core aspect of Christian lifestyle, reflecting God’s Love and Grace. A lifestyle of service emphasizes selfless acts of love and compassion towards others, mirroring the Lord’s example of service. This service is not just a duty, but a joyful expression of faith, stemming from a heart that is devoted to God and humanity: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal.6:10).

Scriptures highlight the significance of selfless service, using our gifts and talents to serve others, and finding joy in contributing to their well-being. Our Father-God calls us to serve Christ in others: (a) Other believers in the household of faith (b) Other people, who may not even be Christians. Each person has areas of strength and weakness. God intends that the strong ought to bear, help, or assist the shortfalls of the weak. Believers are encouraged to use their unique gifts and talents to serve others and contribute to the community’s well-being. Service God and others should be done with a cheerful heart, not grudgingly.

Life is Service. Life is a do-it-with-God, do-it-for-others, and do-it-to-yourself programme. Life is measured more by its Donation than by its Duration! The Lord Jesus’ spent 33 plus years relative to Methuselah’s 969 years! Someone says, “If you are dissatisfied with your lot in life, build a service station on it.” A selfish life is a meaningless life! Mother Theresa said “Unless life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.” Joseph Cassis says: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” A good way to overcome our troubles is to help others out of theirs, just like Joseph in Prison interpreted dreams!

In serving others, life takes on new meaning. Living out a lifestyle of service involves: Discovering our gifts to use in service to others; recognizing opportunities; taking action or moving beyond intentions and putting service into practice, even in small acts of kindness; and sustaining a servant's heart – approaching service with humility and a desire to bless others.  By embracing a lifestyle of service, we sustain lives of impact, reflect God's Love and transform the world around us.