|
Why do we serve? It seems like a simple question, but you will get a variety of answers if you ask people on the street. Upon reviewing articles on the topic of volunteering and serving others, the authors’ rationale predominantly fell into two categories: health and happiness. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in service have lower blood pressure, less depression, and a longer lifespan. Beyond that, polls report that they are often happier. Reading those articles made me wonder why more people don’t volunteer. If it really is true that spending time serving others makes me healthier and happier, then why not roll up my sleeves and jump in?
I would assert that not volunteering doesn’t mean people don’t want those benefits. Instead, it is because many who choose to either serve or not serve are in fact focused on the same thing: themselves. You see it all over social media. The look-at-me and all the great things I do posts. Ever since the fall into sin, the inclination of our hearts has been self-serving. Much of the time, our days are spent striving after things that are about us. Should I serve there? Am I passionate about the focus of that organization? Will it make me feel good? Will it look good on a resume?
Maybe your questions are different, but I’m sure that you have served from selfish motivation at times. I know that I have. Jesus warns against this in Matthew 6:1–4. He tells us, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” In other words, don’t serve for show. Instead, serve for God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul reminds us that “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
In all things, we should serve to the glory of God. Notice, I said should. We are incapable of perfection in thought, word, or deed. That means that our motivation to serve cannot ever be altruistic, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn’t serve. Luther pointed out that God Himself doesn’t need our acts of service, but our neighbor does. In his treatise, The Freedom of a Christian, he wrote, “A man does not live for himself alone in this mortal body to work for it alone, but he lives also for all men on earth; rather, he lives only for others and not for himself.”
We have been created to love God and glorify Him in all things. Though perfection in the task is unobtainable, forgiveness has been obtained through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Health and happiness may be a result of serving, but that isn’t the goal of service. This week and beyond, as you serve, ask how this is pointing others to the crucified and risen Christ. To God alone be the glory!
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take My Life and Let It Be • LSB Hymn 783
| 
