The Meal (Part 4 of 7)
The Meal (Part 4 of 7)
Serving
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
1 Peter 4:9-10
Serving the meal is probably one of the least recognized parts of the meal. Everything else that we’ve done for the meal, so far is critical for the meal to actually be served. Serving only brings the meal to the table, or does it?
Serving the meal requires planning and preparation as well. It is also where all the previous planning and preparation is showcased.
Just like in our relationship with God our service is where our planning and preparation are showcased as well.
When we serve others, it is an opportunity for our Christian values and principles to be shared. We inherit the Holy Spirit as part of our faith in Jesus Christ. Because we believe on Him, and we put our faith and trust in Him - we have eternal salvation in Heaven.
But what we do here on earth before we get to Heaven is an example of our service for His sacrifice. We are to serve others because Christ died for us. We are also to do Gods work because of the work that has been done in us.
With the proper ingredients, preparation and cooking, a meal can be served that showcases what God is doing in us.
Imagine going out to eat at a fancy restaurant. You place an order and you are served the food. Not many of us go into thought about the preparation, ingredients, etc. We devour the food and move on. There is not thought as to where the beef or chicken was raised, what farm the vegetables came from, how long it took to develop a recipe and prepare the ingredients. We don’t know the behavior or attitude of the chef or how much he has learned.
We base our entire opinion about a meal from the service and the quality of the food.
If we have bad service, we are more likely to remember that, than if we were to have great service.
Our Christian service to others should be selfless, not selfish. Too many times, myself included, it was based on what’s in it for me. I only did something for someone else because I was able to get something in return.
This isn’t service, this is serving me. And this definitely wouldn’t have pointed to my relationship with God.
The way we serve is a complete picture of our relationship with God and where Jesus Christ is in our life. And once the meal is served, or we have served someone, they are getting a picture of that in our life.
Sometimes the only Bible someone will ever read is when they look at us or the way we are living our lives. (Thanks Allen).
Our service is the same way. If we hurry, rush, are sloppy or never say thank you or please, this is not a great picture to paint about our relationship with God.
Take time to write a note to someone, hold a door, say please or thank you or even do a chore or task for someone that will help them. Don’t do it because they asked, do it because it will help them or please them. Not you.
How is your service to others reflecting on your relationship with Jesus Christ?
Are you encouraging others to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ through your service?
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
John 13:14-15
“And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.”
Luke 7:44-46