We Exist to Serve

Today, there are many multinational corporations.  But not a one of them has as widespread an impact on the earth as Jesus Christ.  For instance, the Gregorian calendar is internationally the most widely used civil calendar.  And, our current year, 2017 according to that calendar, is a date based allegedly* on the birth of Jesus.  But there’s far more than just that.  Before his departure to be with his Father, he told his disciples that he would be with them until the end of this age (Mat 28:20) (during which satan is the ruler of the world.)  And as we’ll see later on, Jesus is very active all around the globe, growing his body of disciples to be the temple of God’s holy spirit.  1 Cor 6:19

That body, of which he is the head (Eph 4:15,) is a large human community that has a large variety of different aptitudes to accomplish his big projects.  So, some of those individuals feel fulfilled by inventing, some by building what others have invented, some by fixing or maintaining what others have built.  Yet others are drawn to artistic endeavors such as painting or dancing, while yet others are passionate about scientific research.  Some have a need to be “on the move” and are adventurers and discoverers, while still others find their greatest joy in helping people regain their health, or as teachers.

Paul described this diversity when he wrote, “when he (JC) ascended he gave gifts in men – some as apostles, some as evangelizers, some as pastors and teachers.” (Eph 4:11)  Then he concluded by writing that each one by using his particular talents, contributed to the body’s building itself up in love.  (Eph 4:15-16)

To get a better feel for this, let’s look at a seemingly simple example of the value of community by considering a self-serve gas station.  I drive in and see only one or two employees.  But supporting those few are the architect who designed to the station, the city officials who approved the blueprints, those who built the facility, those who keep the station stocked with gasoline and food, those who designed the vehicle’s that transport the gas and food, as well as those who built the trucks and even more people who maintain them.  But the trucks couldn’t move without roads that were designed, built, and maintained by people.  And then there are all the people who manufacture the gas, food, and road making materials and the necessary machines, as well as all the people who support those industries.

The conclusion?  I am able to drive into a gas station for gas and a snack only because thousands of people have made it possible for me to do so.  I NEED OTHERS, and others NEED ME!

But do I still need others if I reject all the modern technology like a car?  Let’s say I live “off the grid” as the Amish do.  Just a couple of examples should suffice to lead us to a YES answer.  For instance, if I have a family I need a house, unless I’m willing to live in a cave.  That house will be better built and go up more quickly if I have the help of others who have more experience than I do.  Additionally, if an individual is incapacitated in a disaster, he will be able to recover much more quickly in a community that is accustomed to sharing and caring for one another.

OK, now let’s return to considering the body of Christ.  Jesus said that where two or more are gathered in his name, there he would be.  (Mat 18:20)  His “name” represents his spirit, his nature.  So he was saying that where two or more were gathered in his spirit, there he would be.  And his was very decidedly a spirit of service.  Do you remember the occasion when he found some of his disciples arguing about who was greatest?  He told them that the greatest was the one who served the most, just as he had come not to be ministered to, but rather to minister.  Mat 20:25-28

Jesus not only told his disciples about the importance of service, he set the example by serving them from the moment he called them clear up to and including the moment of his death.  For instance, the day before he died when everyone was gathered for the Last Supper, the Bible tells us that he loved them to the last.  (Joh 13:1)  He did that by washing their feet, and then explaining that they should serve one another with the same humble spirit.  Joh 13:5; 13:14-15

At this very instant right now as you are reading this, or any instant for that matter, there are undoubtedly thousands of “two or more” groups that are gathered to “incite one another to love and fine works.”  (Heb 10:24-25a)  Some of them are doing that very, very well, and some very, very poorly.  But most of us are probably somewhere in between.  We do well in some areas of our lives, and not so well in other areas.  Happily, Jesus invites us to “take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.”  (Mat 11:29)  He was saying, in effect, “work with me in getting God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven (Mat 6:9-10) and you will get better and better at serving both our Father and our brothers and sisters.”

God serves us through Jesus Christ in so many ways – cleansing, healing, sustaining, protecting, empowering, and bringing us to life – these are all manifestations of his love.  And as each of us serves one another in Jesus’ spirit we are fulfilling his commandment to love one another as he loved us.  (Joh 13:34)  In that spirit there is love, joy, and peace.  Gal 5:22-23

We exist to serve, my dear brother or sister.  No wonder our Father arranged matters so that there is more happiness in giving than in receiving.  (Act 20:35)  Are you experiencing the joy of letting Jesus love your neighbor through you?

“Father, as you transform me into the image of Jesus, who is full of grace, (Joh 1:14) you are using me as your hand to dispenses your undeserved kindness to my fellow man.  Thank you very much for this wonderful privilege.  Amen.”

All scriptures are from the New King James Version.

* Dionysius Exiguus, a sixth century Roman monk, miscalculated the year of Jesus’ birth when he was given the task of setting up a chart for the celebration of Easter.  Jesus had to have been born before Herod died in 4BC or 1BC.  So, others now calculate Jesus’ birth to be somewhere between 5BC and 1 BC.