5 Reasons To Serve Others

“Enter to Worship, Leave to Serve,” was a slogan that was popular for a period of time, appearing on church bulletins and posted on outdoor church signs. I once saw it displayed at the entrance of the building, so you could see it entering and leaving.

Today, as we join other Christians in worship, think about worship, not just an event. Or a religious rite. Or an end within itself. But as the motivation to take what you’ve learned, felt, and experienced to find expression in service.

Briefly consider 5 reasons why we ought to serve others.

By serving others, we’re serving the Lord. Jesus said so in his parable of the sheep and the goats. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40).

By serving others we’re fulfilling God’s purpose. The Bible says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them”(Eph. 2:10). God works through our works. We display His divine and eternally planned workmanship when we minister to others.

By serving we become more like Christ. Jesus said He was sent, not to be served, but to serve (Matt. 20:28). Serving is connected to discipleship. It helps us grow, mature, and develop Jesus’ attitude (Phil. 2:5).

By serving we learn the secret to greatness. Jesus taught that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Matt. 20:27).

By serving we’re investing time that will be rewarded in eternity. Paul admonished Christians to “make the most of every opportunity,” as we make the best use of our time (Eph. 5:16). Such an investment in serving others will reap a 100-fold in “eternal life” (Gal. 6:7-10; Mk. 10:29-30).

May our Sunday services across this country and the world, not only glorify God in word and worship but honor Him through our ministry in serving the needs of our brethren and our fellow man (1 Pet. 4:10-11).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman