Motivated to serve by…
Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:6-7 ESV)
As Christians we, like Jesus, are called to serve, the motivation for service can be found within Scripture. We are motivated by:
- Gratitude: Serving is the right response to God’s goodness to us. “Serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24)
- Gladness: We serve out of gladness and not grudgingly: “Serve the LORD with gladness!” (Psalm 100:2)
- Forgiveness: Like Isaiah, whose sins were forgiven and who then immediately volunteered to serve, we serve in response to the forgiveness shown to us. “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for…” (Isaiah 6:7-8)
- Humility: We serve motivated by humility: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:14–15)
- Love: We serve because we love God and others: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39)
When we are motivated to serve by gratitude, gladness, humility, and love for God and others, then we will be willing and happy to serve in whatever situation and by whatever means He leads us to—whether it is extraordinary or mundane. [1]
If all people, or even just a small group of people, were true servants of God in their neighbour, the world would soon belong to Christ. - Chiara Lubich
[1] Anchor Service
