Counsel #4 — Why Serve?

Picture: Counsel #4 — Why Serve?CI 37.1

In our comfortable world that prioritizes self-centeredness and individualism, devoting our lives to service seems counter-intuitive. Why would we give our time, energy, talents, and love to other people? Why would we choose service over pleasure, giving over getting, activism over indolence?CI 37.2

The story of the demoniacs of Decapolis (Mark 5:1-20) provides an instructive answer. Once Jesus delivered them from the tormenting demons, they begged to stay close to their Deliverer. But Jesus told them to go home and tell all their friends and neighbors what He had done for them. Even though it wasn’t their first choice, Jesus wanted them to unselfishly serve others by sharing their story and telling them about Him. Through His Holy Spirit, Jesus’ presence enabled the reformed demoniacs to lighten the sorrows of suffering humanity.CI 37.3

The demoniacs were saved to serve. And so are we.^{[33]https://www.adventisthealthcare.com/living-well/what-it-means-to-serve/}CI 37.4

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10 ESVCI 37.5

“We are to find [Jesus’] footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great cities, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hopeless.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing, p. 106CI 37.6

Reflect: What is your motivation for service? CI 37.7