As followers of Jesus, we are called not just to believe in Him, but to follow His example—and one of the clearest ways we do that is through the discipline of serving. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV). If serving was central to His life, it should be central to ours as well.
Serving isn’t just about filling roles or volunteering our time—it’s a spiritual practice that shapes us to become more like Christ. American philosopher and author Dallas Willard reminds us that spiritual disciplines are how we train ourselves, through God’s grace, to live like Jesus. When we serve others—especially when it’s inconvenient, unseen, or unrecognized—we push back against selfishness and pride. We grow in humility and love, becoming people who reflect the heart of Christ.
Donald Whitney, in his book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, points out that consistent, everyday service is one of the best ways to grow in godliness. Whether it’s helping with children’s ministry, preparing a meal for someone in need, or quietly showing kindness to a neighbor, these acts of service are tools God uses to shape our hearts and bless His people.
The Bible encourages us in this: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV). Serving isn’t just for a few people in the church—it’s a calling for all of us. Each act of service, big or small, is a way we participate in God’s work and express His love to others. I like to say, “There are no pew sitting Christians.”
Let’s be a church known not just for what we believe, but for how we serve. As we step out to meet the needs of others—in our congregation, in our neighborhoods, and beyond—we can trust that God is working in us and through us. Serving may not always be easy, but it is always worth it, because it draws us closer to the One who came not to be served, but to serve.
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