I must always maintain a high view of Christian service. Most modern Christian views of service are shallow and sometimes shoddy. Godly service is described by Isaiah as something total, “If you pour yourself out for the hungry” (58:10, author’s trans.). A lot of Christian service misses the ideal.
Most of our Christian service today revolves around two things: first, our gifts and talents, and second, our education. Young people are constantly reminded to use the gifts the Lord has given them and by all means “get a good education.” Worthy suggestions! But if that is all there is to Christian service, we have missed the weightiest. It takes no effort to use our gifts; in fact, it is an effort not to. Nor is it much sweat to pass on the fruits of our education, to “notebook” our way through to success.
Service is pouring out our soul. How much is contained in the very words! Jesus did not come parading His gifts, showing off His talents, putting on a self-centered spectacular. Certainly He had no education to trumpet. But His was the model service of a soul turned inside out, the sharing of what He was inwardly. He was the perfect embodiment of the Old Testament sacrifice, an offering to God for others. Service is offering to God all we are, to be used for others as God directs. It is out of this total sacrifice that the materials are taken for meeting those needs, as God applies them.
The “pouring out of the soul” is the equivalent of “laying down our lives for the brothers” (see 1 John 3:16). Not until I am ready to do that am I capable of rendering effective service, or capable of following Him who was the embodiment of the perfect Servant. Thank God for His example and even more, for the grace He gives us to become poured-out souls for Him.
“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all” (Philippians 2:17).
Daily with the King 