Service

In every era, the church has done its best work when it has looked outward. All of the best theology is empty without an ethic of service, an ethic that Jesus so explicitly instituted. Thousands of missions, hospitals and universities have been founded to serve in Jesus' name. Millions of Christians have taken the call to servant hood seriously and stepped out of normalcy and cultural comfort. And innumerable billions of acts of kindness take place every year as followers of Christ serve with no intention of seeking recognition or repayment.

Sure, there are times that it's inconvenient. And you can bet you'll come into contact with people that will make you uncomfortable. Jesus didn't tell us to help only those "who are like ourselves."

Richard Foster writes that Jesus leadership was not with a scepter, but with a towel. When Jesus washed His disciples feet at the Last Supper, He was performing the ultimate act of service to them. Then, after rising, He said to them, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:15). There is no wiggle room in that statement or in the declaration"...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be your slave." (Matthew 20:26-27) Jesus makes no bones about it. Christians serve. Period.

Found this image at United Methodist Young People's Ministry page...thought about writing a long piece on it but realized it could be summed up in a couple of paragraphs...not because it doesn't have a deep meaning, but because the meaning is a little different for each of us. The only common requirement is courage.

It takes courage to serve others...to put your heart on the line. It takes courage to love Jesus because He WILL call you and use you and you will NEVER be the same. It takes courage to be different...especially for young people...to not be stamped by the cookie cutter so many others are stamped with...

If I could pray but one prayer for our young people, it would be that they follow Jesus by doing these three things.

The Australian Angel...

Although some may not see this "job" as a blessing. I can understand his position. If you think of it, in the course of our lives how many of us get to see tangible results of helping others?

Working with the youth, sometimes it's hard to see the affect I've had on their lives. Most do not have an "Emmaus" road experience. They grow into their faith. While I do recognize that I serve as a guide in their growth and take great satisfaction and joy from it, and I can see the results of time spent in Youth and Church and Sunday School...there are times that I question, and worry, and doubt. But I recognize that I am blessed to have the opportunity and the gift to work with these young people. And besides, all the questions and worries and doubts are because I love.

One thing I do know, without being told, they give back as much or more than I and that makes it worth all the effort!