“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations”. Isaiah 42:1
Have you seen the movie “The Greatest Showman” staring Hugh Jackman who portrayed P.T. Barnum? The movie portrays the life of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Barnum’s vision was to gather up the most fascinating group of entertainers to create the greatest show on earth. The people he gathered were unwanted by the community but celebrities in the eyes of Barnum. Barnum was able to see through the flaws of the people and made them feel like they could accomplish anything they wanted in spite of feeling unworthy.
In the same way, God calls His servants to serve in the greatest story ever told. That’s us! “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” Jesus declared, “and whoever wants to be the first must be slave of all”- Mark 10:43-44. Do you feel unworthy and have flaws? I know I do. True service involves setting your own interests aside and focusing on meetings the needs of others. When you commit this type of service, you will stand out and others will be attracted to you because of your selfless actions – the same quality that marked the life of Jesus.
Service characterized Jesus’ ministry from beginning to end. He healed the sick and fed the hungry. He comforted those who grieved. He put himself last and served others first. While He walked the earth, people desired to be close to Him, be healed, and to hear His words. It attracted people towards Him and, ultimately, displayed the sacrifice of their sins on the cross.
What can you do to cultivate a selfless heart that seeks to meet the needs of others? There are plenty of opportunities in the church and in your own life to serve. For me, serving the Lord has become one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It not only changed the way I serve, but also reflects the life of Jesus to others around me. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” – Mark 10:45.
I encourage everyone to step out in faith and serve. If you’re not sure how to serve and you feel like your “flaws” will get in the way, then get on your knees right now and pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you the service He has picked out for you. In Matthew 6:31-33, He tells us not to worry about these things “but to seek first the Kingdom of God and these things will be given”. Most importantly, it tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “that whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God.”
-Bill