Christian Obligation: Service

When we look at the life of Christ what we see is a life of service. Paul reminded the Philippians that Jesus "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2:7). Jesus told His disciples in Luke 22:27 - "For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves." Even nearing the moment of His crucifixion our Savior got down on His hands and knees and washed the apostles' feet (John 13). His final and ultimate example of service came when He died for the sins of the world on the cross (John 15:13).

As we understand the life of Jesus do we understand the work and purpose of Christianity? When someone asks you what a Christian ought to be, do you hesitate to answer? If so, why? The answer is very simple, and every Christian should know it. To be a Christian is to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and of the Almighty God. Jesus said as He washed the apostles' feet, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John13:14,15).

Looking at the church today we wonder why some members seem to get weaker and even drop out. We wonder why people lose heart. We wonder why people don't get involved. Do we realize just how much our attitude toward service attributes to these problems?

We live in an apathetic society that doesn't want to serve - it wants to be served! Unfortunately we've let this become an approach to God as well. There are so many people that claim Christianity, yet they only want to be a part of the audience. They always want someone else to teach Bible class, someone else to invite others to worship, someone else to show up at a planned work-day, someone else to visit the sick. They would be completely satisfied to show up for services and then go home, to drop their money in the plate and let someone, anyone use the money just to make sure everything will be there again next Sunday when they come back. We need to get a grip on reality! Is this God's desire for us as a part of His kingdom?

When you look at your Christian life, how would you define it? Would the word service be deservedly part of the definition? Is there any reason that it shouldn't be? In presenting ourselves to God Paul said we are to be a "living sacrifice" and that this is our "reasonable service" (Rm. 12:1). Are we willing to be or do anything else?

One last thought: If Jesus came to your house tomorrow, would you be expecting Him to wash your feet? Then why are you letting Him today?

"Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." - 1 Cor. 4:1

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." - 1 John 5:3