This week, Pastor Holly shared the message – “Serving is Our Privilege.” She reminded us how Jesus served. He was a carpenter by trade and served in that capacity, but He also served in other ways. He fed the hungry, provided drinks to the thirsty, healed the sick, and washed the feet of His own betrayer. If we serve like He did, we’ll take “self” out of the way and become the living, breathing hands and feet of Jesus. 

Holly also shared that living a kingdom lifestyle isn’t only about serving at church. While serving at church is wonderful and helpful, we also have opportunities to serve outside the church doors every week. We can serve in our community by taking a meal to someone who just had surgery, checking on a friend who’s been going through a lot, or running errands for an elderly neighbor. Those are just a few examples.

Several years ago, I read a story that has stayed with me. A blogger named Sally was going through a difficult time in her life and just needed someone to talk to. She dropped by a neighbor’s house, unannounced. The neighbor, Lisa, graciously invited Sally into her messy home with kids playing loudly in the background. Lisa quicky put Sally at ease by giving her a warm hug and offering her a glass of tea. As they sat at the small kitchen table, Sally talked about her problems while Lisa listened and made them grilled cheese sandwiches. 

Later, Sally blogged about Lisa’s loving gesture and shared how the experience made a lasting impression. Sally wrote that she’d never felt so seen and heard and cared for as the day she was able to pour out her heart during a simple meal with her neighbor. Lisa’s friendship and genuine hospitality is what Sally desperately needed that day. 

Lisa didn’t hesitate to invite her friend in, and she didn’t even apologize for the mess. Instead, Lisa made Sally feel comfortable and deeply loved. Wow! Who would’ve thought such a simple act of kindness and a grilled cheese would make such an impact? But… it did!

When we serve others and provide hospitality in our own homes, it’s not a requirement to get out the fine china and serve a gourmet meal. We can simply serve sandwiches on paper plates. We only need to welcome our guests inside and love on them. Isn’t that what serving really is? Serving is loving. 

In Luke 10, we find the story of sisters Martha and Mary. Martha welcomed Jesus into their home and was busy serving while Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Martha asked Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” He told Martha to quit worrying. He said Mary was doing the right thing sitting at His feet. Inevitably, Martha needed to slow down. 

Instead of being so stressed by serving and working ourselves into a frenzy, maybe we should slow down and get to the heart of the matter – the listening, the caring, and the loving.  

Proverbs 11:25 tells us, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” So . . . when we give our time to serve others, we will also be refreshed. There may be times when we need to refuel, and that is OKAY! We don’t need permission to take a break. That’s when we can spend extra time in the Word, pray, and seek fellowship.

What will serving look like for you this week? Maybe it’s taking time to really listen. Maybe it’s showing support and offering a hug or a pat on the back. Maybe it’s sending a text or a note of encouragement. 

Just as Lisa slowed down to listen and make a grilled cheese sandwich for Sally, and Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, ask yourself, “Who will I have the privilege to serve?” 

Always remember you have a purpose. God might be using your serving to plant seeds and help others to grow closer to Him. Personally, I can’t think of a more honorable or higher calling!