John 12:26 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me”
Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
1 Samuel 12:24 “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:4-17); a very unusual action on his part at that time that must have surprised his disciples, especially Peter, because only servants were required to wash the feet of others. Soon after, Jesus explained why he had washed their feet. He said that he washed their feet that they, too, should wash each other’s feet as Jesus has done. Jesus set an example of serving by serving them thru washing their feet so that they, in turn, would imitate him and serve each other. It was challenging to serve others as well as Jesus exemplified it. To serve others is to be humble, considerate, kind, gentle, forgiving, and loving, the character traits that Jesus would want his disciples always to have.
You are a child of God, and like the disciples, you are encouraged to serve others. You may serve in any way you can. God has blessed you with a talent, and you can serve and help other people by using your talent. What do you love, enjoy, and good at doing? Are you into singing? You can sing and move the hearts of your hearers. Do you have a talent for playing a musical instrument? You may join in church worship, a band, or an orchestra. Do you have a passion for cooking? You may help cook food or volunteer for a group that feeds the needy or the homeless. Do you love doing arts and crafts? Teaching art lessons in your community or online may fit you. God gave you such a gift to enjoy and use to serve other people whatever talent you have.
Hone your talent. Whenever you use your talent to serve, the more God is pleased, your talent will improve, and minister to more people. Pour out your heart to serve, for God will equip, enable, and empower you to serve.