Serving the Community Together - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - September 8

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Serving the Community Together 

By: Vivian Bricker

“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.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

When I was a teen, my mom used to have our family volunteer at community events. At one of these community events, we were planting trees. We had to bring our own shovels and spent the day digging holes and planting trees in our local community. Another time, we picked up trash in the neighborhood park, and another time, we face-painted little kids at a community festival.

Serving in the community is a beautiful thing. It helps us to give to our community even if we don’t get anything in return. In truth, we should want to help our community because we truly want to. We shouldn’t do good things in the hope that good things will return to us. This destroys the original reason why we do good things. Therefore, when you consider serving your community, ensure your heart is in the right place.

We don’t need to serve in the community to have a prestigious position or be popular. Instead, we should serve simply because we have to serve. To serve is to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. The Apostle Paul tells us this truth, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

As a couple, taking up service means following the Lord faithfully. Whatever we work at, we need to remember that we are working for Christ. This means we need to do our best at everything we put our hand to. Even if we are only planting trees or picking up trash, we are still called to do our best because it is Jesus whom we are serving. This needs to encourage us to do everything acceptably and go beyond what is required.

If you and your spouse are not currently serving in the community, maybe it will be worthwhile to start doing so. When I refer to the community, I refer to your local neighborhood; however, this can also refer to your church. Serving in the community together will help your marriage grow stronger and build a strong work ethic.

Serving alongside your spouse can help you see them in a different light. This is especially true if they are passionate about the community project. It can be inspiring and rewarding to see your spouse so excited about a project. Seeing their joy will encourage you to keep going with the community project even when you are tired or lacking motivation.

Ultimately, serving the community together is a reflection of Jesus’ love for all people. When Jesus came to earth, He should have been served, yet He served us (Matthew 20:28). With the same heart of service, we need to follow Jesus’ example. As His followers, we have to remember that we are not called to be served but to serve others. By doing this, we will be able to help our community see the love of Jesus in a real and tangible way.

Paul says, “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” (Philippians 2:3-4). Reflecting upon this passage will be fruitful in this new season of life. Serving others can sometimes be difficult, but the rewards are far greater. As believers, we must value others above ourselves and look to their interests rather than our own.

Taking time each month or week to serve your community will place their interests above yours. Your heart and focus will be on God’s family rather than on your wants or desires. Through community service work and projects, you and your spouse will become stronger followers of Jesus, and you will become more empathetic to the needs of others. If you think you and your spouse are ready to connect with the community, get started today.

“Dear God, my spouse and I want to follow your example of serving others. I praise You for showing us the greatest act of service by dying for our sins. Please help my spouse and me to always put the interests of others above our own. Thank You, God. Amen.”

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/. 

Related Resource: 3 Simple Ways to Feed Your Spouse More Praise

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