When I was growing up, my dream was to become a great baseball player. There was only one thing standing in my way - a lack of talent. I had to give up my dream of baseball greatness, but that dream has been replaced by a new one-spiritual greatness. I want to be a great person in God's eyes. Hopefully, you share that same dream with me.
Jesus offers a pretty simple formula for greatness: "Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first of all shall be slave of all. For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:43-45). Jesus tells us in very simple terms that if we want to be great people, we must humble ourselves and serve others.
This is the same idea Jesus was trying to get across when He washed His disciples' feet. After He had finished washing their feet, He explained why He did it: "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" (John 13:14-15). What Jesus wants us to do is to think less about self and more about others. He wants us to be sensitive
Now, exactly how are we supposed to do this? What are some specific ways we can serve others? Certainly, the greatest act of service we could perform for someone would be to teach them the gospel, because this could result in their salvation (Romans 1:16). But is this all we can do in the way of service?
I'm afraid that we get to thinking that "public" works like teaching, and other works that get everybody's attention, are the only works that are really important. Actually, there are countless ways we can serve other people.
Do you remember what James' definition of pure religion was? Something about taking care of orphans and widows among you. Have you washed their feet? Have you served them in some way? If you need an example of someone who did, read about Dorcas in Acts 9:36-39. Read what she did for the widows there in Joppa.
And, while we're talking about serving other people, whatever happened to inviting people over for Sunday dinner? Maybe you're the one who's still doing it, but, in general, this practice seems to be on the decline. And I really don't understand why. It's a wonderful way to serve other people -- having them in your home. Yes, feeding them a meal, but more importantly, getting to know them better. It seems to me that brothers and sisters in Christ ate at each other's table more often, there would be a lot less bickering and fussing.
But what we really need to learn about this whole subject of service is that the smallest deed of kindness can be very big in God's eyes. Listen to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:42: "And if anyone gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will not lose his reward." A cup of cold water may not seem like much, but Jesus says it can be very important. Quit thinking that your small deeds of kindness are insignificant. They become very big deeds when done for the right reasons.
Now, if you're like me, you need a little boost every now and then, a little incentive to get these things done. Let's see if Galatians 6:9 can get us started: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." The Lord assures us that our acts of service will not go unrewarded (see also 1 Cor. 15:58 and Matthew 10:42).
A possibly even more powerful source of motivation is found in Matthew 25:31-46. Please read this passage carefully. The thought in it is very simple. Christ identifies with the needy and when we serve them, we serve Him. When we reject them, we reject Him. How would you like to do something for your Lord? After all, He died for you. You can do something for Him. Just find someone, who has some need and meet that need. "Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto me." That should be all the motivation you need.
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 2/14/99.