By: Tiffani Cody
We so often use words like serve, service, service project, and community service, but I’d like to ask you a question – What is service and what does that really look like in the life of a Christian? I believe that sometimes people operate under the misconception that in order to serve, there must be a specified place and a very specific goal. However I would like to challenge this idea and the implications that it provides. Merriam-Webster defines service, as the work performed by one that serves or contributes to the welfare of others. According to this definition, when we are contributing to the welfare of others, we are serving them. This means that service can be done without being planned and is certainly bigger than the time we may spend volunteering at church, local food banks, or other common community service locations. It means that service is not a one time activity, but rather, an attitude and a lifestyle through which all of our actions should flow.
As Christians, serving others should be a priority, and something that our hearts desire to do. Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39).” When we are genuinely loving others, we want the best for them. In any given moment or circumstance we can choose to do and to be what is best for others and what is going to help them reach a goal. Being committed to this is being committed to service!
Service doesn’t exist in a pretty labeled box with instructions. Service exists in hearts that are constantly filled with gratitude and not consumed with self. Service is having the mindset that there is always something that we can do to help, there is always someone who needs whatever we have to offer, and that there is never an act of service too small or insignificant. When God commands us to love our neighbors it doesn’t mean just the neighbors we live near, but every person we encounter. If we consciously and intentionally live out service, we have the potential to shine the light of Christ so brightly that it can’t be denied by anyone – even those who don’t yet know Him.
Last week, many reflected on the life, vision, dreams, and humble service of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Let us not leave the reflection there, but also take a moment to think about our own lives and dreams. Are we dreaming dreams that will only satisfy ourselves and those closest to us or are dreaming dreams that reflect the heart of God? As we work toward our own dreams, do the sacrifices we are making, the love we are showing and the work that we are putting in, have the potential to impact people that we will never meet? In the case of Dr. King, his dreams were a reflection of the heart of God and have impacted generations, even after his death. His legacy is celebrated with a National Holiday and his name is known around the world.
As you endeavor to live everyday unto the Lord and poured out in service to others, I also want to invite you to consider serving with the QUEST/YAM volunteer team. We would love to serve alongside you once a month as we dedicate time to sowing into the lives of those in our communities. Our next community service project is on Saturday, February 18th at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (31 Evans Terminal Road, Hillside, NJ) where we will be assisting in sorting food that has been donated. We look forward to seeing you all there! The arrival time is 8:15am.
Let’s make a commitment to SERVE GREATER this year and years to come!!
Sign up on our home page to stay connected and to sign up for our other volunteer and community service projects.
♡ Tiffani
Tiffani N. Cody is a servant with a heart for providing for the needs of others whenever and however possible. Tiffani is also a joyful wife who enjoys delicious food, writing, crafting and sharing the testimony of her journey to marriage.
Tiffani serves as a leader with the Young Adults ministry and as a co-coordinator for the QUEST/YAM community service projects.
IG: @beingmrscody
