Service, Part III

We are Christians to serve others and their needs. It is through giving that we are blessed by God. As it is written in Proverbs that it is better to give than receive so we as Christians should always be aware of needs around us. We should support others and this is not just through money but to also provide a shoulder to lean on. To intercede in prayer for others and emotionally support those who are hurting. We should bless others and not chain up our love, compassion, money, or anything else when we have means to help.

The deceitfulness of riches is simply that we are deceived that possessions, status, and security will bring us any good. In fact, God blesses us when we reach beyond this ideal and support others above even our own selves. It is hard to understand but this is the root of God's love and perfect picture of Christ in our lives. For Jesus did not serve Himself but in His life and death He served us.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

23"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. 24Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Again in Galatians, it is clear that being selfish (appeasing the lusts of our sinful nature) is death and service to others is life.

Galatians 6:7-10

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.