Friday
This week we have been examining the role of serving in the life of the early church. It is clear to anyone who reads the first few chapters of the book of Acts that these early Christians were remarkably compassionate and willing to sacrifice in order to serve those around them. It is also clear that this is one of the qualities of the early church that God used to make such a significant and lasting ripple effect in the world.
However, we have to admit that Christianity is not the only world religion or faith system that teaches the value of serving others. In fact just about every major world religion teaches that we should do good to others and care for the poor. Even atheists, those who do not believe in any God at all, will sacrifice for the good of others. We have to admit that Christianity does not have exclusive claim to the practice of service to others. So, what makes Christian service so unique? What distinguishes Christian service from any other kind of service or humanitarian efforts?
Elizabeth Elliott tells the story of an African legend about Jesus. Understand, it is not in the Bible. It is only a legend. But I there is a strong lesson here for all of us about what it means to serve in the name of Jesus.
"One day Jesus said to his disciples: "I'd like you to carry a stone for Me." He didn't give any explanation. So the disciples looked around for a stone to carry, and Peter, being the practical sort, sought out the smallest stone he could possibly find. After all, Jesus didn't give any regulations for weights and size! So he put it in his pocket. Jesus then said: "Follow me." He led them on a journey. About noontime Jesus had everyone sit down. He waved his hands and all the stones turned to bread. He said, "Now it's time for lunch." In a few seconds, Peter's lunch was over. When lunch was done Jesus told them to stand up. He said again, "I'd like you to carry a stone for Me." This time Peter said, "Aha! Now I get it!" So he looked around and saw a small boulder. He hoisted it on his back and it was painful, it made him stagger. But he said, "I can't wait for supper." Jesus then said: "Follow Me." He led them on a journey, with Peter barely being able to keep up. Around supper time Jesus led them to the side of a river. He said, "Now everyone throw your stones into the water." They did. The he said, "Follow Me," and began to walk. Peter and the others looked at hi dumbfounded. Jesus sighed and said, "Don't you remember what I asked you to do? Who were you carrying the stone for?"
The difference between Christian service and any other kind of service may not be in the act of service itself, but in whose name and for whose sake the service is done.
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? - James 2:15-16
James has a good point here doesn’t he? But for the Christian, this principle works the other way around as well. Think about it, what good would it do for us to feed, clothe, visit and care for those in need, and never tell them Why? We might succeed in keeping a person from starving physically, but what about the hunger in their soul? Ultimately what good is it if we keep a few more people from going hungry, but we do not tell them about the one who said that He is the “Bread of Life”? Christian service does not involve less than meeting the physical needs of others, but it always involves more – because it is done in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ!
Listen to how Acts describes the results of the compassion and service of the early church.
God’s message was preached in ever-widening circles. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. – Acts 6:7 NLT
Jeff Frazier
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