Serve: Discover the Transformative Power of Selfless Living

Jesus’ call to live and love selflessly stands as a contrast to the world’s focus on personal success and ambition. The idea of serving others isn’t a mere suggestion but a defining characteristic of those who aim to live a life aligned with God’s kingdom. Click the link above for a full message on the topic of what it means to serve others selflessly.

Valuing Others Over Ourselves

Self-centeredness is a universal challenge. At work or in social settings, we’ve all encountered people who seem more interested in advancing their own agenda rather than genuinely caring for others. It’s not a foreign concept; yet, it’s in these moments that we must remember a powerful teaching found in Philippians 2:3-4:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others” (NIV).

This principle runs counter to what society often teaches us. Jesus’ path was the ultimate example of putting others first, serving with a heart full of love and humility. Choosing to live this way involves seeing people as God does—worthy of attention, value, and service.

When Self-Promotion Becomes a Barrier

Imagine the setting: Jesus and His disciples are heading to Jerusalem. Jesus is about to face betrayal, torture, and crucifixion, and He openly shares this with His followers. Yet, in a moment that seems shockingly tone-deaf, James and John approach Him with a request. In their request, they ask Jesus for positions of power and honor in Jesus’ coming kingdom. The whole story can be found in Mark 10:35-45.

Their question shows a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. They envision thrones and glory, not realizing Jesus’ true path involves sacrifice. They were so focused on what they could gain with their connection to Jesus, that they missed out on the purpose of servitude. Sadly, it’s a vivid reminder that we are so susceptible to this perspective as well, and that even close followers of Christ can miss the point when we focus on self-promotion rather than God’s purposes.

The Lesson on True Greatness

Jesus takes this opportunity to redefine what it means to be great. Instead of seeking power or recognition, true greatness in God’s kingdom comes from serving others. As Jesus puts it in Mark 10:43-45:

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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” (NIV).

This statement flips the worldly idea of leadership and status upside down. Jesus emphasizes that the higher up you are in God’s kingdom, the more servant-hearted you must become. Leaders are called to humility, using their influence to uplift and serve others.

Why Selfless Service Changes Everything

It’s easy to want the perks of leadership without the sacrifices. But Jesus calls us to a different kind of leadership—one marked by selflessness. Serving regularly reshapes our hearts, moving us from self-centeredness to genuinely caring for others. Think about the moments when you’ve chosen to put someone else’s needs above your own. That choice, though sometimes difficult, makes room for God to work through you.

Sometimes, we need to act even before we feel like it. Similar to how exercise becomes more enjoyable after getting started, serving others can become something we look forward to as our hearts shift. By making a habit of service, we start to experience the joy God designed us to feel.

Small Actions With Eternal Impact

The beauty of selfless service lies in its simplicity. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that make the biggest difference. It could be moving a chair to make someone feel welcome, giving up your time to help a neighbor, or simply being there for a friend. These moments, though seemingly small, can have a ripple effect in God’s kingdom.

An illustration of this can be found in a story about an orphaned elephant in Kenya. After being cared for in a sanctuary, the elephant returned years later with another orphan, knowing it would receive the same love and care. This image serves as a metaphor for our lives: once we’ve experienced God’s love, we’re called to bring others to the place where they can encounter that same grace.

The Global Call to Action

The gospel’s reach is not limited to our immediate circles. There’s a staggering need across the world, with billions of people yet to hear about Jesus. The statistics are overwhelming—3.4 billion people remain unreached, and every day, thousands die without hearing the good news. Yet, as Ronald Reagan once said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

We’re not called to reach everyone, but we can reach someone. Our contributions, no matter how small, are significant in God’s eyes. Whether it’s supporting global missions, praying for the unreached, or sharing the love of Christ in our community, each action contributes to God’s eternal purpose.

Using Your Talents to Serve

You might wonder what role you can play. 1 Peter 4:10 offers this encouragement: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (NIV). Your unique talents and skills are gifts from God, and He’s asking you to use them for His glory. Whether it’s through art, teaching, administration, or hospitality, there’s a place for you to make an impact.

Even small acts of service can lead to something far greater. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” This reminder challenges us to think beyond grand gestures and focus on the consistent, everyday opportunities to serve.

Questions to Reflect On

• Was that you who made someone feel welcomed at church?

• Was that you who contributed to a missions effort?

• Was that you who shared the gospel with a friend or coworker?

These questions invite us to reflect on our role in God’s story. It’s not about waiting for a perfect opportunity but being willing to act whenever God gives us a chance.

The Urgency of the Gospel

It’s sobering to think about how many people still haven’t heard the gospel. Each day, thousands pass away without knowing Christ. This reality shouldn’t paralyze us but rather motivate us to share God’s love. The mission is clear: Jesus modeled it through His life, serving and ultimately sacrificing Himself for humanity.

It’s never too late to make an impact. George Eliot once said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” In God’s kingdom, there’s always room for redemption, growth, and new opportunities to serve.

The Joy of Generosity

Living generously isn’t just about financial giving. It’s a lifestyle of pouring out what God has given you, whether that’s your time, resources, or talents. When we live this way, we’re living in step with how God created us. And as we bless others, God promises to refresh and provide for us.

Are you ready to take that step? Whether it’s joining a local ministry, supporting global missions, or simply serving someone in your life, every action counts. You might be the reason someone gets to experience God’s love firsthand.

Further Reading

• The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns. Learn how the gospel challenges us to serve the world’s most vulnerable. Read more.

• Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt. Discover what it means to truly follow Jesus and live out the gospel. Read more.

Other Links

• Want to hear more? Check out Daybreak Church’s YouTube page for past messages on similar topics.

• Explore more about serving and missions on Daybreak Church’s website.