Serving God and others is the hallmark of the Christian life. Jesus Christ is the greatest example we have of what a true servant looks like.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (NIV)
As a church we are called to serve others. The true witness of our faith cannot be separated from service.
James 2:14-18 (NLT)
“…What’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, “Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well” – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.”
It comes down to being “outward focused.” All too often we become consumed with our own desires, wants, needs and goals forgetting to look to the needs of others. There is a wonderful old hymn (from the Broadman Hymnal), written by C. D. Meigs that speaks to this, “Others.”
“Lord, help me live from day to day
in such a self-forgetful way,
That even when I kneel to pray
my prayer shall be for others.
Help me in all the work I do
to ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I’d do for you
must needs be done for others.
Others, Lord, yes, others,
let this my motto be,
Help me to live for others,
that I may live like Thee.”
This past Sunday night we ordained two new deacons: Chad Royal and Mitchell Bruce. Their role is bound up in servant leadership. We are grateful to these young men and the other fine deacons we have at Eastern Hills.
As we look toward MY HOPE Sunday on November 11, let us be outward focused thinking of others with whom we can invite and share our faith story.
Serving together!
Keith