Lessons in Serving Others
Posted on Jul 26, 2018 by
I was hanging out at VBS this week with some awesome wee servants and hard-working volunteers. The theme is based around serving God by serving God’s people. The first night’s story to kick off our service-minded VBS theme was the feeding of the five thousand. As I sat in the sanctuary with all of our amazing wiggly friends and the story was read, I was struck by the Holy Spirit through Jen Beutel, who was giving us some inspiration for the night.
When studying this story in the past, I have focused on the bravery of the child who brought loaves and fish, or the miraculous power of Jesus to feed everyone, or the faith of the followers to stay to hear Jesus even though there weren’t great facilities around for comfort, or even the lackluster faith and stamina of the disciples who want to just send everyone away.
But what struck me this time was that if I was in a HUGE crowd with my family (think 2015 Royals celebration!) and I brought something for us to eat (like a loaf of bread), and I knew there wasn’t anything for my children to eat otherwise, could I give up the loaf I brought for my family because I had faith that God would provide for everyone?
I am bought-in to helping and serving others. When I engage in service, it makes me feel closer to God, and helps me to feel like I am fulfilling my purpose in life. But how have I sacrificed to do so? What have I risked in the name of walking along my sisters and brothers? Have I risked my own social standing? Have I sacrificed my comfort in any way? Have I avoided things that might make me uncomfortable in exchange for ways to serve that won’t stretch my comfort zone too far?
I have had interesting talks with God since those thoughts in our sanctuary on Monday night. I don’t have any answers, and might not ever know for sure, but it’s been an incredible concept to meditate on this week.
I encourage you to ask yourself similar questions to see what bubbles up for you …
What do I enjoy about serving others?
What do I avoid or what makes me uncomfortable in service?
What do I gain when I fully invest in helping someone else?
How have I seen the face of God while serving another person?
I’d love to chat with you about what the Holy Spirit does in your spirit with these questions!
Emily Nelson Dixon
Director of Teen Ministries and Outreach