The Joy of Serving Others Well - Martin Wiles

Don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT

I noticed the handicap van they drove and knew it was time for me to serve. I would soon learn the joy of serving others well.

Saturday morning. My wife and I were in the middle of packing for our move later in the month when we ran out of boxes. She suggested I stop by McDonald’s and grab us lunch after I picked up a few boxes. As I waited in the drive-through line, I noticed an older couple in a handicapped-accessible van slowly pull through the parking lot and take their place behind me.

Our daughter once had the habit of paying for the person behind her when she bought food from Chick-fil-A. I had never done this before, but on this day felt God’s Spirit nudging me. I questioned myself. What if they have ten more people in the van with them? I decided to act rather than doubt. When I approached the window to pay for my food, I asked the attendant to add their tab to mine. It was an insignificant amount, but the feeling I received from obeying God’s prompting was unsurpassed.

As believers, we have been freed from sin’s penalty. The blood of Christ has washed away our sins. Rather than using that freedom to indulge in sinful practices, Paul says we should use it to serve others. By doing so, we obey the second greatest command: to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Serving others can bring joy when we do so with the right attitude. Serving with reluctance won’t work. When we serve reluctantly, we feel hesitation because we’re doing something we don’t want to do.

Serving with joy requires letting God change how we see situations. What we give through our act of service is not forced from our hands. Instead, we’re allowing the act to slip away as a form of appreciation for what Christ has done for us.

Nor should we serve with ulterior motives. If we brag about what we’ve done, the spotlight shines on us instead of God. Jesus said not to let our right hand know what our left hand was doing. He also warned about standing on a street corner and announcing what we’ve done for him. Our motive in serving is to give God praise, not ourselves.

Learn the joy of serving others well, but not because you feel forced or want recognition.

Father, thank you for giving me opportunities to serve others in your name. 

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Serious about Serving - Martin Wiles

All night long I search for you; earnestly I seek for God. Isaiah 26:9 NLT

After nine years of floundering around in the work world, I became serious about an education and serious about serving.

From first to eighth grade, I was serious about school and enjoyed learning. Then the teenage-don’t-care bug bit. Joining in the movements of the time, I found myself rebelling against society and education. Why did I need it? Jobs were plentiful. 

After quitting my senior year and then returning six months later, I finally graduated a semester later than my peers and entered the workforce. The first few years went well, but then the economy turned sour, and so did my employment. After being laid off from the plant where I had worked since graduation, I found myself holding a string of unfulfilling jobs. Nine years after graduation, I finally succumbed to God’s earlier direction and went to college, but now as a married man with a small child. Doing so after graduation would have been easier, but I wasn’t serious at the time.

In the prophet Isaiah’s song of praise to the Lord, he expresses his sincere devotion to serving God. Though I doubt he actually stayed up all night every night seeking God, his word choice relates how much he needed God in his life.

Perhaps there was a time when Isaiah, too, wasn’t serious about serving God. After all, it took a hot experience to set him on fire for God (Isaiah 6). While God didn’t have to touch my lips with live coals to convince me I needed to get serious about serving him, he did use a series of disappointments to get me pointed in the right direction.

Through the payment Jesus made on Calvary’s cross, God demonstrated how serious he was about humanity’s salvation. He wasn’t under obligation to deliver us from our sins, but he didn’t want us to be a lost cause. Christ went all the way for us, and we should do no less for him.

Getting serious about serving God is a decision we can make through an act of our free will. God desires this decision and gives everyone the power to make it. 

Decide today to be serious about serving God.

Father, focus my heart, mind, and will on serving you to the best of my ability. 

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Privileged to Serve - Martin Wiles

By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. Ephesians 3:7 NLT

At the time, I didn’t see it as such, but later I realized it was.

I wasn’t born a PK (preacher’s kid) but became one shortly thereafter. By the time I was nine years of age, I was well indoctrinated. Things differed for me and my family. We always lived near the church, and church folks popped in randomly, meaning we lived under the microscope.

Since I was the preacher’s kid, most church members expected me to act differently than normal kids. No rebellion, sassing my parents, or taking up the bad habits kids often experiment with. All this seemed like a curse, but later I discovered I was privileged—privileged to have Christian parents, Christian friends, and an extended church family to make sure I remained on track. 

Paul was reared religiously also, but his real freedom arrived after he met Christ and discovered life’s true meaning. God gave him the privilege of serving him and spreading the good news to those who hadn’t heard the gospel.

As God’s children, we have the privilege of telling others about Christ. Although it’s also a responsibility, it’s not one we dread. Being privileged means we get to do something not all are allowed to do. Only believers can share because only we have special news to share. 

God will give us the opportunities; we simply must be sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance.

Along with the opportunities, God gives courage, power, and ability. We share and live out God’s love with confidence, not fear. When we do, God’s love is communicated to others. Conversations that say “We care,” an invitation for supper, kind deeds, a “Thinking of You” card, and random texts are all ways to spread God’s love.

What are you doing with the privilege God has given you? Make yourself available, and watch what he does through you.

Prayer: Father, help us to share Your love consistently and lovingly.

Tweetable: Do you think serving is a privilege? 

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The Last-First Rule - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Meandering Monday, where we take a trip back to an earlier post and enjoy it again.

Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else. Mark 9:35 NLT

With a smirky smile, he looked at us and said, “We’ve been waiting in line too.”

My family and I were attending a Christian concert. A desk for ticket pick-up was in the center of the entrance hallway. Crowds of people who had their tickets mulled around with seemingly no organization. We made our way to the desk and then through the line—trying to get to a table where my mother could sit until the doors opened.

As we passed one gentleman—who obviously thought we were trying to get ahead of him—he reminded us we needed to wait in line as he was doing. I had no time to rebuke his “Christian” attitude; I simply kept moving. But when the doors opened and the people poured in, I made sure he observed me staying behind him. I wasn’t about to break Jesus’ last-first rule.

Even Jesus’ closest followers had trouble with the last-first rule. As the little band of disciples made their way to Capernaum, they discussed which of them was the greatest. When they had settled in the house where they would stay, Jesus confronted their prideful attitudes.

Pride is one of Satan’s greatest temptations. Eve had a dose of it when she thought she knew better than God about eating forbidden fruit. Thousands of years later, I frequently think the same thing. By observing my world, I perceive many others do as well. Unfortunately, this jostling of who’s the greatest is even found among God’s people as it was with the disciples.

The Bible says humility is the better quality. 

We’re not to think too much of ourselves, but neither are we to think less of ourselves than we should. 

In Christ, we can do all things. We’re masterpieces in the making, but the key is “in Christ.” When we humble ourselves before him, he will exalt us at the right time and the right place.

How can you rebuke pride in your life and observe Jesus’ first-last principle?

Prayer: Father, enable us to humble ourselves before You and others. 

Tweetable: Are you following the last-first rule? 

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Walk-on Wednesday - Giving a Better Sacrifice - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Walk-on Wednesday. By Hump Day, we are struggling, but we believe a good devotion can strengthen us to finish the week strong. 

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man. Hebrews 11:4 NLT

His outfit of choice for Sundays was typical for his generation.

Dark pants, a white shirt, black shoes. He sat in the same pew each Sunday. As I looked at him from my vantage point, I noticed the same thing every Sunday: a single dollar bill tucked neatly in his shirt pocket.

As the offering plate was passed, he delivered his offering. Had he been like the widow Jesus told of who gave everything she had, I would have marveled at his generosity. But he wasn’t. His dollar didn’t represent a tithe, an offering, or even a sacrifice. I happened to know a little about his financial situation. His gift wasn’t a sacrifice at all.

Cain’s wasn’t either. Since he was a farmer, it was natural that he would bring produce to God as an offering. Yet that was the trouble—he only brought some. Abel, on the other hand, brought several of his choice lambs to God. Blood wasn’t the issue; sacrifice was. Cain just gave some while Abel gave his best. God saw the motive and accepted Abel’s. Cain’s, he rejected.

My sacrifices for God should be measured by his sacrifice for me. I have a son, but I wouldn’t sacrifice him for anyone, regardless of how much I might love them. God did, however, by placing his Son on a cross and then humanity’s sins on him. This was the only way he could restore the relationship between us and him. With proper motives, he made the ultimate sacrifice.

Why we give what we do is important. We should give out of appreciation. We can never repay God for what he’s done, but giving is one way we can demonstrate our love. How much we give is also crucial. Single dollars—unless they represent all we have—will only move God’s Kingdom work forward at a snail’s pace. Proportionate giving is what God desires . . . a sacrifice joyfully given. God wants actions from us as well. Money won’t substitute for actions that involve love and sacrifice.

Is there a better sacrifice you could give God?

Prayer: Father, we give our best to You because You’ve given Your best to us. 

Tweetable: What type of sacrifices are you giving to God? 

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Meandering Monday - Powered to Serve - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Meandering Monday, where we take a trip back to an earlier post and enjoy it again.

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:41 NLT

Power can be addictive.

Our culture seems to be enamored with power. I don’t want just any computer. I want a powerful one that will start up quickly and do the tasks I desire with lightning speed. No dial-up or slow internet connection either. When I click, I want immediate action. And my cell phone can’t be an outdated version from several years ago. I must have the most up-to-date version with all the bells and whistles that perform functions quickly. We crave power…I crave power.

On the seashore, God had re-commissioned Peter—taken away his discouragement and replaced it with confidence. Seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection, the church was born on the Day of Pentecost. The Spirit filled Peter and the other apostles, and they began speaking the gospel in other languages. When questioned, Peter delivered a power-filled message on behalf of the other apostles. Three thousand people believed.

Peter’s success depended solely on the power of God’s Spirit residing in him. Pentecost saw the coming of the Spirit in a fresh way.

The same Spirit Peter possessed is given to all believers. God’s might is unlimited, and God’s power in us is limitless as well. It saved 3,000 people after Peter preached. When we depend on his energy, we can accomplish anything when it fits his will and plan. Obedience unleashes the muscle of God.

When filled with God’s Spirit, we can operate with boldness. Like Peter, we can speak the truth even in the face of opposition…the truth that will set people free from sin’s slavery…the truth that is often unpopular.

Yet, as we experience God working in our lives, we must be careful not to give pride a stronghold. Peter was incredibly familiar with the trait—an attribute the Bible warns against frequently. Anything that results from our work for God is because of his power in us.

Are you tapping into your serving power?

Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for giving us the power of Your Spirit so we might do Your work successfully. 

Tweetable: Have you been empowered to serve? 

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Meandering Monday - Swimming to Serve - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Meandering Monday, where we take a trip back to an earlier post and enjoy it again.

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. John 21:7 NLT

When I’m excited about an event, I typically don’t sleep well the night before.

My brother, daughter, and I once planned several camping trips during the year. Excitement over the trip itself as well as living in the woods for a few days kept me tossing and turning the night before. Pondering about whether I’d packed everything—as well as thinking about the dangers involved—also kept my eyelids fluttering. Anticipation tends to do this.

Jesus was gone. Killed by heartless Roman soldiers and jealous religious leaders. The disciples were alone. Several of them—Peter included—returned to what they knew best: fishing.

Suddenly, a man on shore called out and questioned whether their fishing trip had been successful. Hearing of their failure, he instructed them to cast their nets on the boat’s opposite side. When they did, the catch was almost more than their boats could handle.

John recognized the man as Jesus. Upon hearing this, Peter quickly dressed and swam to shore. Perhaps there was still serving to do after all.

Serving God should evoke excitement. Christ has saved me to serve, but if I see serving as a burden it will quickly transform into a chore. Chores can be cumbersome and unenjoyable.

To serve Christ adequately, we must discover our gifts and then be willing to use them joyfully. Like Peter, we’ll have failures and setbacks along the way, but God has always been in the business of another chance. Through experience, examining our personalities, and the wise guidance of others, we can cast our gifts. When we’re willing to serve faithfully and with excitement, God will open doors of opportunity.

Serving with excitement entails unconditional love. Those we serve may not serve us back, appreciate our acts, or love us in return. We must remember, however, that our deeds of service are not designed to bring recognition for us but rather shine the light on Christ.

Are you serving God faithfully and with excitement?

Prayer: Father, for Your grace we are thankful. May we use the gifts You have entrusted us. 

Tweetable: Are you excited about serving God? 

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Serving as a Servant - Martin Wiles

In the same way, when you obey me you should say, “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.” Luke 17:9 NLT

The captain gave the command: “Charge for the guns.”

October 25, 1854. The Battle of Balaclava. The Crimean War. A lesser-known war seldom given much attention to in history books. With whom the blunder happened, historians disagree, but the captain gave the command for an ill-prepared English cavalry brigade to charge a Russian battery.

Men with only horses and sabers charged a fortress armed with cannons and guns. Anywhere from 600 to 670 soldiers made the charge. Only 150 to 160 of them returned, many wounded.

Poet laureate, Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote of the battle in his famous poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” Praising their honor, he said, “Theirs not to make reply/ Theirs not to reason why/ Theirs but to do and die.” And in the end, he asked Britons—and all people—to “Honour the charge they made!/ Honour the Light Brigade.” After all, they had only done their duty … their service.

In response to His apostles’ request for Him to show them how to increase their faith, Jesus told them a story about servants. When servants finish performing their duties, the master doesn’t ask them to sit with him and eat. Rather, he tells them to robe and serve him. They would eat later. They did what the master expected: serve.

Serving isn’t normally the way we measure greatness. We usually determine it by how many serve us. Not in Jesus’ Kingdom. Servanthood equals greatness.

Nor does serving come naturally for me—although I’ve known some who seem to have an easier time doing it than others. I have to retrain my way of thinking. Rather than life being about me and my selfish wants, I have to intentionally focus on the needs of others.

When the palm of our hands open, we can let God’s blessings flow from us to others. And when they do, Jesus grows our faith. We give with the faith that less equals more. Although we should have less because we’ve shared, we actually have more because God opens the floodgates of heaven and pours into our cups.

A servant attitude leads us to do exactly what the Light Brigade did. Their commander gave the order to charge … to serve their country … and they did. God gives us the same command. We should do no less. We owe Him this much for all He does and has done for us.

Ask God to give you opportunities to serve as Jesus did.

Prayer: Father, give us the desire—and the opportunities—to serve with a servant attitude.

Tell us about some ways you have served. 

Tweetable: Are you serving as a servant? 

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Don’t Expect Service - Martin Wiles

Series: The Road to Humility

Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. John 13:5 NLT

She loved to cook, but she never sat until everyone was served.

Early in the morning, my maternal grandmother started breakfast. If she didn’t plan on fishing that day, she’d begin lunch almost as soon as she finished cleaning up the breakfast dishes. Then, after a few hours break, she started supper. Other than a few days at the river each week, it seemed she did nothing but cook.

But one thing she’d never do: sit with the others who she cooked for. If it was only my grandfather eating, he ate alone. If my family or my cousin’s family were eating with her, we ate alone too. While we did, she served, constantly asking if someone needed a refill of sweet tea or another helping of food. If we let her, she’d even fix our plates. Often, she washed dishes while we ate.

When everyone had finished their meal, gotten up, and gone about their business, she sat and ate. Funny, my mom followed the tradition … almost. She would sit with us, but after everyone had almost finished eating. She, too, served us while we ate.

In their servant model, my mother and grandmother followed Jesus’ example. Just prior to the Passover meal with His disciples, He arose, removed His outer garment, poured water into a basin, and washed His disciples’ dirty feet. A job reserved for the lowest slave.

Having a servant attitude doesn’t come easily. I have to change my attitude about myself. Instead of thinking I deserve to be served, I must remember I don’t. Jesus served the world through paying for our sins—but we didn’t deserve it. Greatness, according to Him, arises in a person when we serve others, not when they serve us. Through serving, I follow the example of the greatest servant.

To serve as Jesus did takes intentionality. My selfish nature craves for others to serve me. God will give us opportunities to serve others, but we have to ask and look for them. When we do, we’ll find they abound all around us.

Ask God for chances to serve others. Then, open your eyes to all the possibilities He’ll place around you.

Tweetable: How are you serving those around you?

Prayer: Father, give us a servant’s heart so we’ll want to serve others as You served us.

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A Matter of Perspective - Martin Wiles

In the same way, when you obey me you should say, “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty. Luke 17:10 NLT

My wife and I are the proud owners of one small Chihuahua and a cat of unknown breed. One is our official Granddog, and the other we adopted.

We often marvel at the difference in our animal’s personalities. For our dog, it’s about serving. But where the cat’s concerned, it’s about service. As long as we feed and pet the dog, he’s content. I can leave for 30 minutes, and when I return I’m greeted with a wagging tail, a bouncing body, a hug, and of course a lick in the ear.

The cat, on the other hand, has a serve me attitude. You owe me. Change my litter box. Feed me. Beg for my attention. And I just might come and sit in your lap or let you stroke my ears. No guarantees though.

Dogs recognize their duty to serve, but cats haven’t grasped the concept. Unfortunately, I don’t always either.

I’m trying desperately to learn what our dog knows: I was created to serve not be served. And of all the people I might choose to serve, God is the most important. Not that I serve him thinking he will reward me for my admirable service. Rather I serve him out of adoration and appreciation for forgiveness.

God doesn’t owe me anything, but I owe him everything. Serving him directly and through my service to others is the least I can do. Occasionally I act like our cat by reminding God how good I’ve been and by reciting my list of what I’d like him to do for me. But for the most part, I just revel in the fact that he loves me.

Are you serving in an attempt to become God’s child or because you already are?

Tweetable: Have you learned the true meaning of life?

Prayer: Father, remind us that when we serve You, we are simply doing our duty.

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