For the Joy: Reignite Your Desire to Serve Like Jesusਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 3: The Gift of Service

Rick Warren once said, "Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation. They enjoy helping people, meeting needs, and doing ministry."

How do you see the work you do when serving your church family? Is it an opportunity or an obligation? Be honest.

The difference between the two is all in perspective.

A servant who considers others more significant than themselves sees service as an opportunity. A volunteer who is just "checking the box" will eventually see it as an obligation.

Think about a time when a dear family member or close friend was walking through a desperate situation. Were you annoyed by the obligation to help, or were you humbled by the opportunity to show up for them? When you love someone, you do whatever it takes to serve them.

If you love Jesus, you will love His people. And if you love His people, sitting on the sidelines will feel far more uncomfortable than serving.

As we serve, let’s remember that we are part of something greater than ourselves—building up the body of Christ.

• Reflection: How can you begin or continue to serve from a place of opportunity rather than obligation?