Service

It seems we live in a world that is so caught up in ourselves and we shut the world out through being absorbed in music, electronics and even through the busy schedules of our day. We are superficial and no longer take the time to care for ourselves yet alone care for others around us. The Discipline of Service means we are committed to serving others as Jesus has called us to do and it is a response as we look at what we do. It is about our response to God., It is about duty; it is about allowing our love for the Lord to flow through us and place it into the lives of others around us. Service builds and helps build character and strengthens us as a means of grace. The more we serve, the more Christ-like we become. This is about using the best of what God has given to us, being obedient to Him, and serving Him. We are all called to serve, our relationship with Christ is woven into all that we do in life. We went to the mall and practiced the discipline of service. While there I came to a harsh realization that people in our day are so internal; they are so disengaged with others around them. We would look around and not one person would make eye contact with us. Also, people had a hard time opening up in conversations with us, it is almost as though they thought that we must have alternative motifs in talking to them and they kind of shied away. Although the more elderly people were so happy that young people like us were opening ourselves up and taking the time to chat with them. They truly appreciated our kindness towards them and openly carried out the conversations with us. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces when they were talking with us. Through this experience I found that the key is to realize that serving others is not a burden or a chore we must do but it is a response from our love and gratitude, and in humility. It is our character in action. And, it is a discipline because it is not something we are to do occasionally or when it is convenient. When there is an opportunity, we should take the opportunity and jump in, we should keep our eyes open for opportunities like these on a regular basis.