Title Service/Matthew 7:12
Content Service is the core of Christian life and serves as a basis for understanding a person's faith. In our faith, serving God and loving our neighbor must be in harmony, and in order to build a good relationship with our neighbor, we must stand in the position of a volunteer. Rather than just trying to be served by others, you should focus on serving others. Faith without service is dead faith. Therefore, today, we should learn about the meaning and method of service and become a member of the church who practices service in faith.
First, what is service?
The word service is derived from the usage of 'serve at the table' as 'di akonia' in the original Greek. In other words, it contains the meaning of personal devotion to serve others and to serve God. The Bible tells us {whoever wishes to be first among you must be a slave of all} (Mark 10:44). As a Christian, the only way to be great is to be a servant to everyone.
Jesus gave us an example of service. Jesus, who was having a meal with his disciples before the Passover, got up from his seat, took off his outer garment, took a towel, put it around his waist, filled a basin with water, washed the 12 disciples' feet in turn, and wiped them with the towel (John 13:14). -15). If we want to become disciples of Jesus and follow Him, we must be able to serve others like Jesus, serve others, and even sacrifice for others.
Second, what types of service are there?
We, who are suffering from the difficulties of the IMF system, must lead a thrifty life. However, even when you are saving, you should not always be saving. You should save what you need without being extravagant or greedy, but not sparing what you give to God and share with your neighbors. The Bible tells us, {There are things that scatter and give, and there are things that make us richer; if we spare too much, we will only become poor. Those who love to give will prosper, and those who refresh others will be refreshed} (Proverbs 11:24- 25) is said. Therefore, God will fill our lives more abundantly when we live a life of service that is stingy with ourselves but generously gives generously to others.
Service includes prayer service that prays for others other than myself, for the church, community, and country. In addition, there is an effort service devoted to the body. It is the best service for those in need to actually provide what they need. Giving what is mine to others requires sacrifice and dedication. However, when we do not spare it and practice it with love, we become servants like Jesus. Service also includes the service of witnessing the word. {We will do nothing to pray or preach the word} (Acts 6:4). When all these services are combined, the church, the body of the Lord, is revived and grown, and the kingdom of God is expanded.
Third, what kind of attitude should the service be?
Reformer Martin Luther
“A Christian is the freest subject and is not subject to anyone. At the same time, a Christian is the most faithful servant to all and is subject to himself to all,” he said. As he said, we are truly free in Jesus, but as those who have received God's love and grace, we must voluntarily serve others like Jesus. The fundamental spirit of service is to do what others want from me. {Therefore, whatever you would like others to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets} (Matthew 7:12).
Volunteering should start with small things. God remembers and repays each and every service for which even I myself have forgotten because it is such a trivial and small task. Also, the more humble and secretive service is, the more valuable it is (Matthew 6:3-4), and it is the most spiritual activity when performed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 3:3). And as a result of service, all merit must be returned to God. {If anyone speaks, let him speak as if he were speaking the word of God, and if anyone would serve, let him serve as by the power that God supplies. In all things, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. forever and ever, Amen} (1 Peter 4:11).
When we give glory to God by serving in this way and decline our earthly rewards, we can expect heavenly rewards.
Fourth, what kind of blessing are there to those who serve?
Service is a joy in itself. Those who serve can experience God's love and grace more as the Holy Spirit is with them. Having fellowship with the Holy Spirit and walking with the Holy Spirit will be the greatest happiness and blessings of our lives.
Also, volunteers are rewarded. The joy of serving Christ is a Spirit-filled experience that no one can take away. Volunteers bring joy to others. When I help someone who needs me, it is a great comfort and joy for him. Volunteers make me healthy, my children prosper (Psalm 37:26), and save others. And there is a reward in heaven for volunteers. Those who serve others will not only be blessed on this earth, but will also receive the eternal reward of heaven (2 Timothy 4:8).
'Service' in one word means living for others. In other words, it means to abandon selfish attitudes, to serve God with a spirit of unselfish love, and to serve others. Through Jesus we can learn the precious spirit of service. Jesus came to serve us. {For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many} (Mark 10:45). Therefore, we too must serve our neighbors with a humble attitude, not for our own honor, but for the glory of the Lord. At that time, our families will be happy, our society will live, and we will be able to overcome the IMF and this country will be able to resurrect and develop amazingly again.