You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)

Yesterday, we focused on sacrificial service to “the least of these”. Today, as we conclude our deliberation on the Discipline of Service we will widen our focus. There are people all around us that we need to serve by demonstrating the love of our Saviour, empowered by the Holy Spirit. To commit to fully living out this discipline might certainly cause trepidation because servants can oftentimes be “trampled on” or manipulated. Consider the following thoughts on the topic as written by Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline:

“A natural and understandable hesitancy accompanies any serious discussion of service. The hesitancy is prudent since it is wise to count before plunging headlong into any Discipline. We experience a fear that comes out of something like this: ‘If I do that, people will take advantage of me; they will walk all over me.’

Right here we must see the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. When we choose to serve, we are still in charge. We decide whom we will serve and when we will serve. And if we are in charge, we will worry a great deal about anyone stepping on us, that is, taking charge over us. But when we choose to be a servant, we give up the right to be in charge. There is great freedom in this. If we voluntarily choose to be taken advantage of, then we cannot be manipulated. When we choose to be a servant, we surrender the right to decide who and when we will serve. We become available and vulnerable.”

Are you prepared to make the Discipline of Service a lifestyle and be a servant through the power of the Holy Spirit?  Love for God and our fellow humans demands this.  Let me close by suggesting that you listen to the following inspired song: