DAY 2
RADICAL DISCIPLES SACRIFICIALLY SERVE LIKE JESUS
What comes to mind when you think about the command to SERVE? Some of us may associate it with being taken advantage of or of being lowly and downtrodden. The last thing we want to be called is servants. However, the Bible has a very different perspective which can turn our mindsets upside down. In fact, Jesus, when talking to His disciples, reminds them that, ‘…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ – Matthew 20:26,28
Once again, the Bible turns what could be a negative association into a positive one. Serving God and one another is one of the most important principles of the Christian faith. Although this might not always be easy, there are great rewards. Jesus, Himself, tells us that, ‘It is more blessed to give than receive.’ – Acts 20:35. Putting other people’s needs before our own, connects us with those we are serving, and if that someone is familiar, it creates an even stronger bond with them.
Radical disciples are always looking out for the interests of others before themselves. The apostle Paul says, ‘You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in this command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ – Galatians 5: 13-14. Research shows that volunteering to serve others benefits both mental and physical wellbeing as it can create a sense of belonging and reduces isolation, as well as giving us a sense of purpose. It also helps to make the world a happier place as one act of kindness can often lead to another.
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Without service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It’s the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.
– Dr. Dorothy Heights, Civil Rights Activist
daily devotional
by Charles Karanja
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:16-20
- As we continue to walk with the Lord in fresh, daily obedience and surrender, ask Him to open your eyes and heart to show you how and who, you can serve today.
- Pray that we, the people of God, would serve the world around us; that our families, church family and spheres of influence would know the Lord’s heart ministering to them through our service.
- Thank God for the hundreds of incredible people within KingsGate, across all our campuses, who are giving of their time and talents to help build the kingdom of God. Pray that they will grow and mature in their gifting and skills – to find their sweet spot and serve from a place of joy and with a sense of purpose. Pray that they would know the truth of blessing over their lives as they bring their hearts of sacrificial service.
A CALL TO ACTION
We are incredibly grateful to God for the leaders of the volunteer teams who have worked hard and are doing a fantastic job to inspire people to join their teams, particularly as we continue to see an increase in attendance at our Sunday services and in those signing up to discipleship courses. However, we still need many more people to serve and lead, especially on the kids’ teams across all our campuses. There are also plenty of volunteering opportunities in lots of other ministry areas too, so why not… Get Involved, Play Your Part …
As a church family, we’ll be taking up our annual Special Offering on Sunday 5 March. Find out more by watching the video below.