Compensation for a Life of Service
What does a life of service mean?
In the working world, often people are given awards for certain lengths of “service” to their employer. There are awards for one year, five years, ten years, twenty-five years, and so on. As those periods come up, banquets are held and plaques are given out to employees who have “served” their company. Now, is that really service though? I mean, they did give their time and work to the company, but in return for compensation. Does true service require compensation?
How about a life of service to the Lord?
Does God give out twenty-five year service award plaques at lavish banquets? I know for many people, heaven is seen as the reward for a life of service, and that is all well and good. However, is punching your ticket to heaven your reason for serving others?
If that is the case, then why did Jesus serve others? I mean, he is God’s son and all! I don’t think he needs to worry about getting into heaven! He served others on earth, people who couldn’t metaphorically lace up his sandals! People who, when compared to his example, weren’t even worthy of breathing the same air as him. And yet, Jesus served them. He washed their feet, healed their sickness, and forgave their sins. All expecting nothing in return. What a powerful example!
So as your go about your life in youth ministry, keep in mind these questions:
How am I serving:
- my students?
- their parents?
- my pastor?
- my family?
- my children?
- my parents?
- my congregation?
- my community?
- those less fortunate than i?
Are you serving others expecting a reward? The only reward to desire is the favor of our Lord.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Tags: a life of service, goats, jesus, reward, Service, sheep, Youth Ministry
