Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the
Lord, not people
As I close in on the last days of working at the
college, I'm reflecting on the many tasks I've had as technical services
manager in the library. This week, in particular, has been filled with events
and activities. Some generous folks in the county donated money for beautiful
new study rooms to be built in the library. On Wednesday, many of us buzzed
around like bees to put the final touches on the rooms and the library so we
could honor the donors at a special event, planned for the afternoon. We
cleaned, set-up tables, decorated, and prepped food. My co-workers and I
served. We honored people who deserved to be appreciated and thanked.
I'm thankful there are people who do good and
deserve appreciation. But even more, I love when those folks are humble and
don't want the praise. Our library donors just wanted to make a difference.
They didn't seek praise, they didn't want attention. Instead through their
attitude they served our students.
When I place the words serve and deserve beside each other, the difference jumps at me. Do I quietly help others or do I seek attention because I think I'm worthy?
Paul wrote to the Ephesians to serve as if they
are serving the Lord himself. That's not an attitude of deserving, instead,
Jesus wants us to have an attitude focused on serving. Humble, giving, and
grateful, Jesus helped others even though he deserved to be served.
May my heart be filled with the desire to serve.
