Serving Others + Being Served: How We're Called to Live.
Serving Others with Nothing Expected in Return
Serving is something that most of us aspire to do. We often think of it in terms of volunteering or giving up our time to advance a noble cause. But service opportunities are all around us every day. They don’t always have to take place at a local church, soup kitchen, or nonprofit. In fact, most often, these opportunities are "served up" right before our very eyes—in the midst of our day-to-day lives, usually with and for the people we interact with most.
This week, I have had the opportunity to be served. Being served can be a humbling experience. Knowing that you need someone else's expertise, time, or effort to complete a task can be an awkward realization. But this week, I have experienced it firsthand. I have been served by those in my very own family—individuals who have helped piece together projects and timelines that, alone, I would fail to complete. I am not a local church (Although I am part of it). I am not a nonprofit. I am a family member, someone who is loved by others, and this week, I have been someone served—and I am beyond grateful.
There is a fantastic story in the Bible about family members serving one another, even when they did not have to. Ruth’s story is a powerful example of love, loyalty, and selfless service. After losing their husbands, Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return home. Orpah left, but Ruth stayed, choosing to care for Naomi and embrace an uncertain future in Bethlehem. She worked hard, gleaning in the fields to provide for them, catching the attention of Boaz, a kind landowner who ensured her protection. Eventually, Ruth married Boaz, securing their future and becoming part of King David’s and Jesus’ lineage.
Key Points:
Loyalty & Sacrifice – Ruth refused to leave Naomi, vowing to stay by her side.
Hard Work & Dedication – She gleaned in the fields to provide for them.
Divine Provision – Boaz noticed her faithfulness, protected her, and married her.
Lasting Impact – Ruth became part of Jesus’ genealogy, showing how service brings blessings.
You may be reading this as one who has been a faithful servant of another this week. Or, like me, you may be a humbled person served by someone you love most. Either way, look for these opportunities often. Formal service and volunteering are always rewarding, but informal service—without any expectation of return—from those we hold dear is a great way to honor and glorify God each day.
-Mark
