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Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
A few years back I came across an interesting story about Scott Harrison, a former night club promoter, who turned humanitarian and is now the CEO of the non-profit charity: water. His story was all over the Internet and his organization has brought thousands clean water. Charity: water’s vision is to make clean, safe drinking water available to everyone on the planet. Yes, he is making a difference, but what I noticed as I viewed his story is that he became a better person. What changed him was serving others. See, there is something amazing that happens when we step away from a self-focus where we feed our wants and desires and expend energy serving the needs of others. That sacrifice, those selfless actions, change us. We become better and the world becomes better. For serving leaves a lasting impression on us and those we serve.
There are many articles and studies done expounding on the benefit of serving others. One online article from Psychology Today entitled ‘What we Get When We Give,’ gives some of the benefits of serving. When we help others, we live longer, feel better, experience less depression and experience happiness. Serving also brings a sense of belonging and it makes the world a better place. Not only these things, but serving reduces stress, and helps get rid of negative feelings. Serving does leave a lasting impression and just makes sense. The Bible encourages us and calls us to serve.
Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Romans 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Yes, we live in a world where so much attention is on our wants, our issues, our desires, and ‘me-time.’ But we can carve out some time to serve. Yes, life is overwhelming and there are always struggles to walk through. And yes, we need to get help, but one help might be to serve others. Where could you serve? What needs are you seeing that you could help with? Get involved at your church. Call up your city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Volunteer at your local Senior Center. Volunteer/serve at one of your local schools. The world is full of needs and God has placed us here to help.
Church can be a place to learn how to serve and to actually serve. If you do not already have a church to attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church and would love for you to connect with us! Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our Sunday gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to serve our world along with you,
Mike McKay, Lead Pastor of Neighborhood Church
