Serving others has been a Christian virtue since the dawn of Christianity. Jesus Himself was the Suffering Servant of old, a truth which He underlined when He washed His disciples’ feet in the Upper Room. If Jesus, our Master, gave His life in service to others, how can we expect we’ll do anything less? What’s more, He tells us it’s by our love for each other the world will know we’re His. The fact is, serving others accomplishes more than even that. Let’s take a look.
5 Benefits of Helping Others
You’ve probably heard the words, “love your neighbor as yourself” so many times by now it’s lost a little meaning and impact. In addition, we live in such an individualistic society it’s easy to get caught up in our own thing most of the time and not even notice our neighbors. While the Bible is clear our motivation should always be the love of Christ, serving and helping others is also beneficial for growing in Christ. Consider the following 5 ways:
1) Refocus Your Mind
Serving others forces you to take your focus off of yourself. At the end of the day, we’re all in the same boat, normally focused mostly on ourselves. That’s why this practice has such tremendous spiritual benefits.The more you take your eyes off of yourself, the more you’ll see others and the more you’ll see God all around you.
2) Practice What You Read
The Bible is packed with spiritual insights, life principles, and wisdom of tremendous value. It’s powerful, unprecedented, and life-changing. You can read the same passage time after time over the course of a lifetime and still find valuable insights you’ve never understood before. There is a secret, however, that will unlock the deepest meaning of some of the hardest passages for you. And you’re in luck- for just 9 easy installments of $29.99, it could be yours today.
Just kidding! It’s been hiding under your nose all this time, (unless you were paying attention in the 90’s.) It all boils down to three words: Just do it. Or as James reminds us, “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only…” Studying the Bible is awesome. Doing what you read is better. It allows the Spirit to open your understanding like nothing else can.
3) Join the Lord in His Work
When you serve others, you’re joining the Lord in the work He’s already doing. He’s always working all around you. When you ask God, “what can I do?”, He says, “Follow me. I’m already doing it.” Sometimes you just have to open your eyes, direct them away from your life and you’ll see countless opportunities to be a blessing to your neighbors. You don’t have to be a career pastor or minister. You can join the Lord in His work today!
Serve others, dear Christian, in response to His love, keeping in mind always you are serving our Lord Jesus.
4) God Will Change Your Heart
There is no doubt about it. The moment you step out to serve and help others, God will change your heart. You may feel like you’re going to be a blessing to someone else, and you will be. But you’ll also often feel like you may be the one receiving the bigger blessing. God’s always working all around you, but He’s also keenly interested in what’s going on inside you.
5) Have Eternal Significance
When you serve others from a heart that loves God and wants to follow Him, it reverberates in Eternity. That’s not hyperbole or exaggeration just to sound cool, either. It’s Scriptural.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24 (See also Matthew 6:1-6)
Serve others, dear Christian, in response to His love, keeping in mind always you are serving our Lord Jesus. And don’t look for recognition or it will be your only reward- if you get it. Keep your eyes on the Kingdom. Keep your eyes on God.
Still Growing in Christ
Wherever you are in your walk in the Lord, you are always still growing until the blessed day He takes us all Home once for all. In the meantime, stay connected with other Christians, read the Word and pray, and step out to serve others. Be encouraged! Your life, no matter where you are, has truly only just begun.
For opportunities to serve others or information on how to get connected, Contact Us.
