Serving Matters: How to Make a Difference in a Busy World
Imagine walking into a home where you are immediately greeted with warmth, a genuine smile, and a sense of belonging. This is the essence of unreasonable hospitality—going above and beyond to make others feel valued and loved. You might wonder how you can create such an environment in your own life, especially when juggling work, family, and social commitments. The answer lies in serving others, just as Jesus did.
The Power of Serving Others
You’ve probably wondered how to fit everything in. Life is busy, and adding one more task, like serving at church, can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you that serving others is not just another task but a way to bring fulfilment and connection into your life? In Mark 10:43-45, Jesus tells His disciples that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or prestige.
Think about Jackie Robinson, who broke the colour barrier in Major League Baseball. Despite facing intense racism, he remained committed to his mission of serving a greater cause. His courage and resilience were rooted in his understanding that he was serving others, not just playing baseball. Similarly, you are called to serve others in your communities, workplaces, and churches, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
Overcoming the Hurdle of Busyness
Life is busy, and it’s easy to feel like there’s no room left to give. But serving is essential to The Way of Jesus. Before I was ever on staff at a church, I served. I remember one particular weekend when I had a major project due at work, my kids had back-to-back soccer games, and my wife was out of town. I felt stretched thin and wondered how I could possibly find the energy to serve at church. But I realized that in those moments of exhaustion, serving brought a sense of fulfilment and connection that nothing else could.
Model Jesus
If we are going to overcome the obstacles busyness creates and create space to serve others, it starts with modeling Jesus. In Mark 10:42-44, Jesus responds to His disciples' argument about who is the greatest by saying, "Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all." Jesus came to earth specifically to serve, not be served. He came to give His life away through service, and it made an eternal difference for many.
Create Margin
To serve others, you must create margin in your life by learning to lean on Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus longs for us to live unburdened lives. To come to Jesus means to open yourself up to Him and allow Him to love you. When Jesus says, “Come,” He takes the weight. When Jesus says “rest,” He takes the weight. When Jesus says, “learn from me,” He teaches us how to sustain that rest.
Discover Your Purpose
You are created by God to make a difference in the life of another person. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do." God has a place for you where your unique abilities and passions can touch the lives of others. Your life will never make sense until you find, develop, and fulfil that purpose.
Use Your Gifts Well
1 Peter 4:9-10 says, "Be hospitable to one another without complaining. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." When we use our gifts well to serve others, we honour God and evoke positive feelings in people. Each role in our church is a calling, and each calling, when operating at its best, evokes an emotional response from our guests and our spiritual family.
Conclusion
The point is Jesus wants your whole heart. What will you do this week to give it to Him? If you love Jesus and follow Jesus, then serve other people to make a difference for Jesus. Join our team and show hospitality through serving. When you serve, you get to make people feel the love of Jesus through your service. You get to make a difference.
Prayer
Jesus, I trust You. I regret rejecting Your love and leadership. I accept Your forgiveness. I commit to following You. Help me to serve others as You have served me. Give me the strength and energy to use my gifts well and make a difference in the lives of those around me. Amen.