Service

Hey Quest.

So tonight at church, we talked about service and then at the end we washed each other's feet. This brought back major flashbacks from Sky this summer.

Do y'all remember when we washed your feet? What were you feeling? Did it inspire you in any way to go out and serve as you left Sky Ranch?

What does service mean to you? Where do you go to serve? WHY do you serve?

To me, service is a way to show God's love to those around me. I can do it by offering a hug to someone who needs it, giving someone a ride to campus who doesn't have a car etc. There are so many ways to serve.

Now, think about mission trips. Usually, you leave your town. When your mission trip is overseas/out of the country, you think you're legit. When it's a third world country, watch out! We measure our "excitement" and want to serve based on where we serve. We think of needy people and we automatically think of Africa. I go to Baylor, and Waco is one of the most poverty stricken cities in the state. When I think of wanting to do missions work, I think about going out of state or out of the country to serve Christ and show His love to those that need it when I am really needed within a 20 mile radius of my house. Sometimes, we tend to view service as something huge when really we can serve by doing small things in our communities and schools. Is there a kid that no one really likes? Talk to them. Serve them by offering a smile and a friend. Does your mom have a crazy work schedule and it's hard for her to work and cook and clean and do all the other amazing things moms do? Offer to clean for her so she can catch her breath. Do you have tons of clothes in your closet that you never wear? Take them to Salvation Army or Goodwill. Is there a food kitchen for the homeless? Talk with your school cafeteria about taking the left over food to that kitchen. These are just a few ideas, and there are so many more!

Now, why do we serve? Well, because Jesus did is your church answer. But take a minute to think about it. Do you serve to show others Jesus and to let his love overflow to them? Or, do you serve because you will get personal recognition? Sometimes, it's easy to "serve" because you get volunteer hours, or a lot of people will be there so they will see you, or that cute boy/girl is going so you just have to go to get yourself some brownie points.

Check out Romans 11:36. "For from Him and to Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."

We are to serve so He will get the glory. He needs to be worshipped, not us. How will it change someone's life if they worship us instead of the Father? Furthermore, we need to glorify Him from every little detail to the major things in our lives. What exactly does it mean to glorify Him? To glorify means to bring a correct estimate. Is what you do and how you live your life bringing a correct estimate of your Savior?

Lastly, service is never the most fun thing ever. Think back to camp. When we had service project, it was pretty toasty outside and the chores at hand weren't the most "glamourous." Service is usually outside of our comfort zones. In the words of Amber Thomas, "Put your big girl panties on and choose truth over comfort." In the grand scheme of things, what will be most beneficial to the people you come in contact with, that fact that you're comfortable with your circumstance or the fact that you choose the Truth and share that with them. Plus, back to glorifying God. If the chore was easy, sic 'em. But, if it was uncomfortable and took some effort and you did it with a great attitude and humble spirit, your joy stands out and those around you wonder what you have.

I challenge you to find a way to serve the rest of this week!

Love y'all,

Krista