Serving Our Purpose

Throughout society the word "service" permeates our vocabulary. We thank military personnel, firefighters, police officers, etc. for their service to our country. A server serves us at a restaurant. When our vehicle needs maintenance we either service it ourselves or take it to a service shop. Department stores hire service representatives to better serve the customer, and in this regard an old British sitcom was titled, “Are You Being Served?” There are many more examples to list, but let’s identify this term and see its importance.

Dictionary.com describes service as: “an act of helpful activity; help; aid: to do someone a service.” We identify service as an action toward the benefit of others. In the beginning, God provided us life as an act of service. He initially told Adam to serve creation by protecting and cultivating it (Genesis 2:15). God also provided Adam with a mate of service who was to help and share his responsibilities (v. 18). God—desiring to build a family—established man and woman to serve Him—and each other—by producing godly offspring (Genesis 1:26). God’s whole mind is revolved around service and we see many examples of service throughout Scripture.

Christ encouraged His disciples to exemplify servant leadership. He said, “And whoever desires to be first among you let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:27–28). He also set the example of service at the Passover when He washed the disciples’ feet (John (13:1–17). Christ sacrificed His life for us in service, and the Father serves us by providing eternal life to the faithful (John 3:14–16). As our resurrected compassionate High Priest, Christ continually serves us when we beseech Him for help (Hebrews 4:15–16).

What are some ways we can serve each other? If you are married, then begin by serving your mate. Men are given a God ordained responsibility to take the lead in this role, and King Solomon provides wisdom in this regard: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). God provides His daughter as a gift that we must not take lightly! As leaders, men have a unique opportunity to take the lead in serving the wife. Simple notes from a husband, flowers, listening, or a hug and a kiss makes all the difference. Find out what makes her happy then do it “for her worth is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).

Wives also have an opportunity to serve their husbands. My wife ensures I have breakfast in the morning before work; she also loves to exercise or take walks with me, which gives us time to share plans and maintain our health together. These simple things make all the difference to me when she does them! If you’re not married, serve by calling someone to encourage them, write an encouraging note or email, pay for someone’s meal, hold open a door for them, cut grass and clean for those in need, or pray for others—which is a great act of service (1 Timothy 2:1; James 5:16).

When you see an opportunity to serve, do it wholeheartedly. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Let us all take the lead in our own lives and fulfill God’s will by serving our purpose!  For more information about how to serve your mate and to serve by prayer, order our free booklets God’s Plan for Happy Marriage, and Twelve Keys to Answered Prayer.