Spirit of Service: What’s Really the Problem?

Have you ever heard a non-Christian say,

“I have no problem with God or Jesus — only Christians”?

It’s actually a common theme among some nonbelievers. Unfortunately, it’s also becoming more and more common among Christians.

This worries me. How can we serve our communities with Christ-centered joy if we can’t serve each other in the same manner?

Let’s be real. The question I’m raising can’t be resolved in this one small message. But I am asking you to think hard about it.

What’s preventing you from living out a Spirit of Service in your work environment or better yet, in your life?

Wess Stafford washes the feet of a Leadership Development Program graduate.

Is there a bad experience that you can’t forget, a wrongdoing that you can’t forgive, or a fear of being used, mistreated or disrespected?

We all have our baggage, but the great thing about being a believer in Christ is that we have a “safe place” to unload it — the Cross.

If you’re struggling with this concept, I encourage you to consider the following three steps:

1. Meditate on the Bible, particularly on the verses that deal with service.
2. Pray for God to reveal His plan for how you should deal with this concept.
3. Re-examine the way you treat those around you. Are you respecting your co-workers, friends, family, etc.?

It may sound simple, but in order to have a true Spirit of Service, you have to have a spirit of love — and that can come only from God.

“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.” — Galatians 5:13, NIV