How Are We to Serve Jesus Our Lord
Today we will talk about how we are to serve Jesus our Lord. Many Christians do not know what this means. Serving Jesus is not just about attending church on Sundays or participating in religious activities; it’s about a genuine relationship with Him that influences our actions and attitudes every day. When we focus on understanding what serving entails, we discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from living our lives for Him. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and explore the beautiful ways we can show our love and commitment to our Savior.
Understanding Service to Jesus
When we speak of serving Jesus, it’s essential to grasp the meaning behind the word “serve.” In the Greek, the term used is “diakonia,” which conveys the idea of ministry or service, often associated with caring for others (Acts 6:2). The Hebrew word “avodah” suggests work or labor as a form of worship. Both of these perspectives highlight that serving is more than just an obligation; it’s an offering of our lives, attitudes, and actions to glorify God. Serving involves acting out our faith through love and kindness, as emphasized in Galatians 5:13, where Paul encourages us to serve one another in love.
Throughout history, the idea of serving God has been depicted as both a privilege and responsibility. The Old Testament showcases how the Israelites served God through sacrifices, laws, and worship in the temple. In contrast, the New Testament brings a radical shift, where our service is defined by love and the grace we receive through Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). The life of Jesus Himself embodied service; He demonstrated what it looked like to lead by example when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). Such an act highlights that our service calls us to humility and selflessness, rather than seeking recognition or power.
1. Serving Through Love
To serve Jesus effectively, we must understand the core principle of love. Jesus emphasized its importance when questioned about the greatest commandment. He stated in Matthew 22:37-39, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This indicates that our service must flow from a genuine love for God and others.
When we serve with love, we reflect God’s character. In 1 John 4:19, we learn that “We love because He first loved us.” Understanding this deep love inspires us to act in ways that honor Him. It encourages us to serve those around us, thinking of their needs above our own—just as Jesus did throughout His ministry (Philippians 2:3-4). The act of serving then becomes an opportunity to express our gratitude for the grace we’ve received.
Moreover, serving through love creates connections within our communities. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love one another, explaining that our love for each other will prove to the world that we are His disciples. When we engage in acts of kindness and support, our actions serve as a testimony to God’s character and message. We can serve through volunteering at local charities, assisting those in need, or simply offering a listening ear to those struggling. These small acts of service ripple into broader societal changes—inspiring hope, healing, and transformation.
2. Serving with Humility and Obedience
Humility is a cornerstone of service in the life of a believer. When we look at the example of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), we see the ultimate model of humility—God in the flesh performing the lowest servant’s task. Serving Jesus requires us to recognize that we are but vessels of His will. It calls us to step down from our pride and selfish ambitions (James 4:10).
Obedience goes hand in hand with humility. We demonstrate our commitment to serving Jesus when we adhere to His commands and guidance. This is highlighted in John 14:15, where Jesus states, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” True service involves following Christ’s teachings and allowing them to shape our lives. This may include facing uncomfortable situations, responding to His call to serve in ways that stretch us, and even sacrificing our time or resources for the sake of others.
Furthermore, servanthood often involves embracing the roles God has given us—whether that’s as a parent, teacher, friend, or neighbor. Each position provides an opportunity to serve Him by fulfilling our responsibilities with excellence and love. In Colossians 3:23-24, we are encouraged to work heartily, as for the Lord, trusting that our service will be rewarded by Him. Through humility and obedience, we find joy in honoring Christ through our daily actions.
3. Serving with Your Gifts and Talents
Each individual is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve the body of Christ and the world around us. Romans 12:6-8 speaks of various gifts granted to believers—some may teach, others may lead or show mercy. Understanding and utilizing our spiritual gifts is essential to serving Jesus effectively. When we align our efforts with the strengths God has blessed us with, we become more impactful in our service.
The beautiful aspect of utilizing our gifts is that it enriches the community. Ephesians 4:16 tells us that the body of Christ builds itself up when every part does its work. Serving Jesus through our talents fosters unity, allowing diverse abilities to work together for a common purpose: glorifying God. Whether through music, teaching, or acts of compassion, we align with God’s designed order and demonstrate His grace to others.
It’s also important to note that our gifts may evolve over time. As we grow in our relationship with God, He may lead us into new areas of service. Whether it’s stepping into a leadership role or discovering a passion for outreach, being open to His guidance will ensure we are always in tune with where He desires us to serve. 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us that we should use our talents to serve one another, managing God’s grace in its various forms.
4. Serving in Community
Serving Jesus is not a solo journey; it’s part of a larger community of believers. The early church illustrated the beauty of shared service in Acts 2:44-47, where believers came together, shared resources, and served one another selflessly. Our service is magnified when we collaborate with others who share the same mission—to glorify God and spread His love.
Being involved in church and community activities allows us to work together in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and provides opportunities for accountability and encouragement. The experience of serving alongside others strengthens our own faith and encourages growth, since iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). It is essential to create bonds and friendships within our Christian community, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to serve.
Additionally, in our areas of service, community outreach can serve the needs of those outside the church walls. Engaging with the community brings us closer to those who may not know Christ while demonstrating the love He extends to all. This can take the form of food drives, mentorship programs, or any means of support that meets the local needs. By serving collectively with the broader mission in mind, we actively participate in spreading the gospel and living out our faith in actionable ways.
5. Serving with a Heart of Gratitude
Gratitude can transform our perspective on serving. When we recognize everything we have is a gift from God, our service becomes an expression of thankfulness. In Colossians 3:17, we see the directive to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” When we approach serving with a grateful heart, it becomes a joyful experience rather than merely a duty.
Gratefulness also helps us handle challenges that arise in service. Serving can be messy and uncomfortable, but with an attitude of gratitude, we can remind ourselves of the blessing of leading others toward Christ. We can recall 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which encourages us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. This mindset shifts our focus from obstacles to opportunities to honor God in our service.
In addition, expressing thanks to those alongside us in service fosters a spirit of encouragement. A simple “thank you” can uplift others and remind them of their impact. It cultivates a supportive atmosphere where people feel motivated to continue serving. Gratitude is the bridge that connects us to others, allowing for a flourishing environment of collaboration and joy.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on how to serve Jesus our Lord, it’s vital to remember that our service is an extension of our relationship with Him. It’s about love, humility, obedience, and the gifts we bring to His mission. We thrive when we serve together in community, encouraging one another and building each other up in faith. Gratitude shifts our perspective, reminding us of the joy that comes from genuine service. Ultimately, every act of kindness and service reflects our hearts and shows the world God’s love through us. Let us continue to seek ways to serve Him with everything we have and undoubtedly witness the impact it creates in our lives and the lives of others.
In serving Jesus, we experience fulfillment and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to love and belong to Him. Remember, the heart of serving is not merely accomplishing tasks but glorifying God by pouring love into each moment. Together, we can make a difference in our world as we serve our Lord joyfully and wholeheartedly!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4