His Hands

Last evening I got to watch it again—God’s people serving, not out of compulsion, but out of joy and out of a heart’s belief that serving (doing what needs to be done) should be the norm. Let me explain.

On Wednesday evenings, our church has a “Feed Your Faith” night. It is made up of a meal and classes for the various ages and interests. It is a fairly glorious thing to see—all ages, from babes in high chairs to our distinguished white-haired seniors, sharing tables, sharing a meal, sharing laughter.

The Sunday School classes take turns providing the meal which can be challenging for the Rock Group as we almost all have jobs and many have young children (three are pregnant). Still, it is our goal, when it’s “our turn,” to provide a nice meal as though serving for the Lord. Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” and Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”

Also, we are aware that in these times of financial stress, some families may need a good hot meal with plenty to eat. And, as several of our seniors live alone, they may not cook well for themselves nor have the opportunity to have a bit of “out of the ordinary” fare.

Feed Your Faith is so handy for parents. It allows them the opportunity to attend mid-week church without the scurry of getting home, throwing some fast food on the table, cleaning it up, and getting off to church. I remember those days; they were a hassle. While serving proves challenging on our “week,” the other Wednesday nights are so convenient.

Above all that, however, is the important lesson that Jesus taught about what he wants, rather demands, from his followers. Matthew 20:26-28 “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your SERVANT, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to SERVE…” Also, I read in Luke 22:24- “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest… the greatest among you should be… like the one who SERVES… But I am among you as one who SERVES.”

Modern humans have a tough time with that one. Modern society, including us, wants to BE SERVED. We want it “our way,” and we want it supersized, and we want it fast, and we want it to cost us little.

That’s not what the scriptures teach. Peter tells us in 5:2 “God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve…” Last night, I got to be a part of a group that demonstrated that very quality--”eager to SERVE.” They cooked, they stirred, they served, they washed dishes, they cleaned tables, they packaged food to be taken to some less fortunate, and then they went off to serve in their classes.

All I can say is the Rock Group rocks!!!

Sanctus Real sings:
♫ “And You are the face
That changed the whole world
No one too lost for you to love
No one too low for you to serve
So give us the grace to change the world
No one too lost for me to love
No one too low for me to serve

Oh let us see…
Let us be your face
Let us be your face
You look more like love everyday” ♫