Philippians 2:1-4 ESV
What does it mean to truly serve others? I find it odd that people are taken aback when they encounter an act of genuine service. I was with a friend of mine today and I apologised for not refilling his plate myself when he was at my apartment. His response was, "You're over the top. I haven't encountered anyone who wants to do things like that in a long time. Maybe my Great Grandmother... but no one else."
That made me feel sad. Is service fast becoming a forgotten art? My first instinct is no. For example, as a society today, we have a new appreciation for military service. The men and women who serve our country deserve no less than our utmost respect. They are wonderful examples of ultimate sacrifice but there are many other ways to serve. There's also the pastor, the firefighter, the nurse, the dog walker, the trash collector, the waitress and the barber - just to name a few. These are all jobs of service. In fact, according to the US Department of Treasury, service industries account for 68% of U.S. GDP and four out of five U.S. jobs. That's a lot of us in service! So, it begs the question, why aren't we better at it?
Many people enter the jobs I mentioned above with the desire to help others. Along the way, those motives might change. Sometimes we're compensated with money, other services or the knowledge that someone owes us a debt. Does it still count as service if we're compensated in some way? I think it still counts. Compensation for services rendered doesn't change the act but it might change the motive. Even volunteering has changed in recent years. When you ask the average high school or college student why they've volunteered recently, you'll hear all kinds of responses. Volunteer service is almost as important on a CV or application as past job experience or grades. Volunteerism is "popular" and even considered "trendy" in some circles. There are more ways to volunteer today than there were 10 years ago and, according to the U.S. Economic News Release, more people volunteer every day. In short, more people are working in service, more people are volunteering and the numbers are increasing all the time. This is all very reassuring, but why is my friend surprised when I want to serve him in my home?
Jesus surprised the disciples when he washed their feet (John 13:1-17). Of course, Simon Peter protested the idea that his Lord should do this but Jesus corrected him. This act of service was meant to be an example for how we should all serve each other. No one is above serving his fellow man and true service should come from love. 1 Peter 1:22 says "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart". I think the difference is love.
The bible mentions four kinds of love: Eros, Storge, Phileo, and Agape. Of course, we all know Eros. That's everywhere. It's on the TV, it's in a magazine, it's on the street. It BELONGS in the marriage bed but that's a whole other blog post. Phileo is for our friends and Agape is that supreme love that comes from God. We can and should strive for Agape for our fellow man. Storge is a little less discussed. Storge is what we are encouraged to have for our fellow man. It is a supportive love that I think comes out of practicing Phileo and working towards Agape. Over and over in scripture we are implored to love one another. True service is the ultimate expression of love. When we refill our friends plate, when we open the door for a stranger, when we clear the neighbor's driveway of snow - we are saying I love you. I want to encourage you all to serve, and love, each other today. In big ways, in small ways, in expected and unexpected ways, serve and be served. Love and be loved.
nicely put my friend. id hug you if you were here.
ReplyDelete