Service

1/. <<helping or doing work for someone>>

This is the outworking of being a servant – through servanthood assisting our fellow humans.

Before the fall mankind was given tasks of service (Gen 1:28, 2:15,19). After sinning, this labour or service became tiresome and difficult, yet through the problems and trials we are presented with opportunities whereby the fruit of the Spirit can be outworked and we are refined for eternity where we will continue to serve God (Gen 3:17-19; Eccl 2:17-28; Rev 22:3).

Our love for God, a desire to do His will and to minister to those in need should give rise to service for Him. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and utilising our unique gifts, character and training we will become mature and experienced people who “are ready for any good work” (Gal 5:13; 1 Tim 6:18; Tit 3:1). Service should result from our love and worship of God, not as a substitute for it or taking a higher priority. The goal of becoming whole in Christ is not merely for personal relief or satisfaction, but being prepared and equipped to serve in and extend the Kingdom of God (Mk 8:35; 1 Pet 4:10,11).

Genuine service is modelled upon Jesus who “loved us and gave Himself for us” (Gal 2:20). He humbled Himself and became a servant in order to purchase our salvation (Phil 2:8). Real love is expressed in giving – action that meets a need. We don’t serve to gain love, but rather serve as an expression of love. True service is also humble. Servants do not give the orders. After Jesus had

Service involves ‘getting our hands dirty’

washed the disciple’s feet – the lowest, dirtiest and smelliest part of the body He said, “I have set you an example, do likewise” (Jn 13:3-16). What is my response when I’m asked to do something ‘beneath me’? The true test of a servant is, ‘do I act like one when I am treated like one’? Many want to serve God, but only as advisors!

Our motives for service are crucial. Do we serve from compulsion due to false guilt, selfish ambition or unbalanced work ethics? These ‘drivers’ will not sustain us in the long run as serving, although personally fulfilling, is draining on our internal reserves. Our abilities and desire to serve are mainly ineffective on their own; its only as we recognise our weakness and draw on the Lord’s enabling we will become effective servants (Zech 4:6; 2 Cor 12:9,10).

2/. <<formal church gathering>>

A programmed meeting where the attendees corporately worship God and are taught and encouraged in the faith. Often a church service will be led by an appointed clergy or other recognised leader. While structure is important it should not be so humanly organized that there is no freedom for the Holy

As believers do not stop meeting together – Hebrews 10:25

Spirit to rearrange the intended agenda, as after all the focus should be on God and not our desires. Some traditional churches follow very prescribed ‘orders of service’ or liturgies where the same printed prayers are regularly repeated. The minimum components of a service will normally include singing/worship to God, a sermon giving teaching from the Bible and prayer/s. Ideally there will be opportunity for those requesting prayer for various needs to be ministered to, generally monetary gifts are received for the furtherance of the Lord's work and the informal fellowship amongst those gathered. Celebrating communion should be done frequently too.

See also: church, liturgy.