In this latest chapter of Thom Rainer’s book “I Will,” he writes about serving together for the sake of the kingdom. We have now made it to chapter 4 in the book.
I sense that we all would like to see church as a joyous experience. Perhaps look back and discover that the times when gathering at church was most joyful was when we were serving others. There is just something about getting beyond ourselves and looking out for others that brings joy.
But we cannot forget about the motivation behind our service. If our motivation is from a legalistic, “have to” mindset, we miss the joy. But if we are motivated by joy, then we serve differently. We don’t dread coming to church on Sunday because of all of the tasks that need to be done. Christians approach the topic of service as looking for ways to give back, rather than receive.
We also need to find ways to serve in the areas that energize us. When we serve in a position that is draining, we can be motivated by guilt, which is a lousy motivator.
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “What would Jesus do?” It is a rather simple question that has profound implications. It comes from a novel by Charles Sheldon, published in 1896. It has sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, and is one of the best selling books of all time.
The main character is the Rev. Henry Maxwell, pastor of the First Church of Raymond, who challenges his congregation to not do anything for a whole year without first asking the question: “What Would Jesus Do?” The book is revolutionary, and there was even a come-back in the 80’s with WWJD. The question forces us to reconsider what it really means to be a follower of Jesus.
Imagine the entire family of faith asking that question every Sunday…
- The nursery has more kids and families that usual…
- That trash can at Wednesday supper is full…
- Somebody dropped some trash on the hallway floor…
- There is a coffee spill in my classroom…
- There is a benevolence offering today…
- They need a teacher for the 1-2 graders…
The world has always taught us to look out for number 1, and put ourselves first, but in God’s kingdom, we put the needs of others ahead of our own. Just take a look at the Philippians church.
The letter written to them is called the epistle of joy, and for good reason, true joy comes from having the attitude of Jesus. He was obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. Does that describe you? Obedient to death?
Paul challenges the Philippians, and us, to not put our own interests ahead of others. The Bible is clear, we are to serve others.
To plagiarize and reframe president Kennedy, “ask not what your church can do for you, but what you can do for your church.” This attitude would revolutionize churches in America.
Rainer writes about taking a 90 day test: will members commit to two things? For the next 90 days, ask nothing from the church, and don’t complain about anything. On top of that, would people commit to serving somewhere for two hours a week?
- Writing letters to members or to deployed military…
- Pick up trash in the neighborhood or the local park…
- Landscape around the church or local school…
- My neighbor has a tree on her fence…
- Paint or fix something at the church…
- Volunteer in Awana or the Preschool…
What if only half of the church would make such a commitment. Don’t be discouraged, because even at 50 percent, we can start a service revolution.
And you don’t have to do this alone. Why not encourage groups to serve together? You would then develop a powerful ministry in the community and the congregation.
What if others don’t join me in this service revolution? Then stick to it anyway and be a positive example of obedience to those who are not on board.
Remember, I hope to one day see all of our congregation arrive at church on a Sunday seeking a place to serve before they seek a place to sit. So…
- Will you commit to NOT being a critic in the church?
- Will you commit to spending regular time in prayer for your church, and to have an attitude of servanthood?
- Will you pray for your specific leaders and ministries of the church?
- Will you find a place to serve when you are on campus?
Thank you for reading the “I Will” book, watching this video, and getting involved in conversations involving the life of your church.