Service with a Smile

     I remember long ago when service stations were just that....service stations.  You could drive up to purchase gasoline and a kind gentleman would come out and ask how much gas you wanted.  Then, while the tank was being filled, he would clean the windshield and check the oil and tire pressure.  Yes, those days are gone along with low priced gasoline.  Now it is self-service where you can clean your own windshield and check your own oil.
     Somehow in this modern world, we have lost the ability to serve one another courteously.  Perhaps it's because we are in too much of a hurry or maybe its because we have too few people who want to work in service jobs.  Whatever the reason, we are not off the hook in terms of our call from the Lord to serve one another.
     Matthew 20:25-28 reads: "....You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.  Yet, it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
     As Christians, we have the opportunity to show the world what service is really all about.  Instead of the power grabs that routinely take place in the world, we can show others what the true meaning of leadership is by serving one another.

Grandson Aiden serving Daddy by helping him.

     Our faith has no room for those who want to "rise to the top" at the expense of their brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Instead, our hearts are to be willing to give to others and love them with actions as well as words.  When we follow through on this, we will be demonstrating the life of Jesus Christ.  Believe me, this will catch the attention of the world around us because serving others is fast becoming a lost art.
     When others see us going the extra mile to help one another, they will want to know why.  This opens the door to share the "Good News" with them.
     We must remember that our reward lies in heaven not on this earth.  So all that we do here will help to plant seeds, nurture growth in other believers and set an example for those who follow.  Let us keep our eyes on Jesus and ask Him to teach us how to serve one another with a willing heart.  Selah!


In what ways can we practically serve one another?  I welcome your thoughts and insights.