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Purpose In Your Life | Serving Like Jesus


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In our modern world, the concept of service often takes a backseat to individual achievement and personal success. Many are focused on climbing the career ladder, gaining recognition, or pursuing their own happiness. While these pursuits are not inherently wrong, the Bible offers a different perspective: true fulfilment and purpose are found in serving others. In this blog, we will explore how a life of service transforms not only those we serve, but also ourselves.


Find Purpose through Serving Others

From the very beginning, we see that God designed us with a purpose. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We were not created merely to exist or focus on ourselves, but to fulfill a divine purpose through service to others.


In the Bible, the lives of many figures demonstrate the transformative power of serving others. One of the most notable examples is the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. Sold into slavery by his own brothers and wrongfully imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph could have easily turned inward and given up. However, even in the darkest moments of his life, Joseph served others faithfully. Whether it was managing Potiphar’s household or interpreting the dreams of fellow prisoners, Joseph consistently chose to serve those around him.


As a result of his dedication to service, Joseph eventually rose to a position of great power and influence. God used Joseph’s acts of service to not only save his own family, but also an entire nation from famine (Genesis 45:5-8). Joseph’s story illustrates that when we embrace a life of service, we align ourselves with God’s greater plan for our lives. Service may not always lead to immediate rewards, but it shapes us and brings us closer to fulfilling our God-given purpose.


Transformation through Serving Others

Serving others isn’t just about helping those in need; it’s also about transforming ourselves. When we step outside of our comfort zones to serve, we develop qualities like humility, compassion, and patience. These virtues are often difficult to cultivate when we are focused solely on our own ambitions.


In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul instructs the church to “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 the others.” Service requires us to look beyond our own needs and prioritize the needs of others. In doing so, we become more like Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).


Consider the example of Mother Teresa, a modern-day icon of selfless service. Born in Albania, she dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in the streets of Calcutta. Mother Teresa’s life was marked by humility and compassion, and through her service, she transformed the lives of countless people. But it wasn’t just the people she served who were transformed—Mother Teresa herself was profoundly changed by her acts of love and service. She often spoke of the joy and fulfillment she experienced by giving her life to help others.


This type of transformation is not reserved for saints and historical figures; it is available to all of us. When we serve others, we discover a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. Our priorities shift, and we begin to see the world through the eyes of Christ. Acts of service, no matter how small, have the power to change us in profound ways.


Service as a Reflection of God’s Love

Service is not only a way to fulfill our purpose and transform ourselves—it is also a way to reflect God’s love to the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”


When we serve others, we become a reflection of God’s love. Our actions demonstrate the selflessness, grace, and compassion that are at the heart of the Gospel. People often experience God’s love for the first time through the kindness and service of others.


A story that exemplifies this is found in the Gospels, where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17). In a profound act of humility, Jesus—the Son of God—takes on the role of a servant, washing the feet of those who followed Him. This act of service wasn’t just about cleanliness; it was a symbolic gesture of the kind of love and humility that Jesus calls us to embody. After washing their feet, Jesus tells His disciples, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).


Through this simple yet powerful act, Jesus shows us that serving others is not about position or status—it’s about love. When we serve, we show the world that God’s love is real, active, and transformative. We become living testimonies of His grace.


Practical Ways to Live a Life of Service

Living a life of service doesn’t require grand gestures or significant resources. It begins with a mindset shift—a willingness to put others first and find joy in meeting their needs. Here are some practical ways to start living a life of service:


  1. Start with Small Acts

    You don’t have to wait for a big opportunity to serve. Start with small, everyday acts of kindness. Offer to help a classmate with their work, assist a neighbor with groceries, or spend time with someone who is feeling lonely. These small acts of service can have a big impact.

  2. Volunteer Your Time

    Find local organisations or ministries where you can volunteer your time. Whether it’s serving at a food pantry, mentoring young people, or helping with church activities, volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and serve others.

  3. Listen and Be Present

    One of the most meaningful ways to serve others is by simply being present. In a world filled with distractions, offering your full attention to someone in need can be a powerful act of service. Take the time to listen, offer encouragement, and be there for those who need support.

  4. Look for Opportunities in Your Daily Life

    Serving doesn’t always require you to go out of your way. Look for opportunities to serve in your daily interactions. Offer a kind word to a coworker, help a stranger with directions, or bring a meal to a friend who is going through a tough time. These small, everyday actions can make a significant difference.


Serving as a Path to Transformation

As we’ve explored, serving others is not just about helping those in need—it’s a transformative journey that brings us closer to our purpose and to God. When we serve with love, humility, and compassion, we reflect the heart of Christ and experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living a life of purpose.


Service transforms us by shifting our focus from ourselves to others, teaching us to live selflessly and with greater empathy. It also reflects the love of God to a world in need of hope, compassion, and kindness.


So, as we embrace the call to serve, let us remember that each act of service—no matter how small—has the power to transform lives, including our own. Let us follow the example of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve, and discover the joy and purpose that comes from a life lived in love and service to others.

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