“For whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”
 

 Mark 10:43 (ESV)

Alright team, listen up! We’ve all heard the saying “service is the rent we pay for living on Earth.” But let’s be honest, sometimes service can feel more like schlepping dishes than slaying dragons.  Mark 10:43 throws down a truth bomb: “For whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” (ESV)  Serving ain’t about climbing the church ladder; it’s about a radical shift in perspective. It’s about realizing that true greatness comes from lifting others up, not ourselves.

Now, don’t get discouraged if your service journey feels more like crawling through a mud pit than a victory lap in a Formula One race car. Here’s the thing: serving others is a masterclass in personal growth. Buckle up, because we’re about to learn some valuable lessons along the way.

• Lesson #1: Humility is the ultimate power move. When you step outside your comfort zone to serve others, it shatters your self-centered tendencies. You realize the world doesn’t revolve around you, and that’s actually kind of freeing.

One time I had a boss gunning for me and my job. He wasn’t the best person in the world. But hey jealousy does weird things to people. Anyways….  The President of the company came to me and said, “Dan you need to make sure that no matter what happens you stay humble and hungry.”  

I am convinced that in the end my humility with the whole team that served, not just my boss, was what kept me employed. I truly had humility, and others could see that in my actions. 

• Lesson #2: Patience is a superpower.  Serving others requires patience with yourself and those you’re helping.  There will be bumps, miscommunications, and setbacks.  But by leaning on God’s patience, you learn to persevere through the challenges.

I think that we have all probably heard from our grandparents or parents that patience is the key to success in everything that we do. Well, I’m here to agree with them 100000%!!!  I can tell you that the times in my life where I lost my patience are the times that I look back at and think, I could have handled that differently.

Every time I start to get impatient (come on private jet and tropical island!) I stop and think, not in my time but in God’s time! God’s timing is ALWAYS perfect!

• Lesson #3: Empathy unlocks hidden potential.  As you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, your heart expands. You develop a deeper understanding of human needs and struggles, which can ignite a fire to make a real difference.

When we have empathy for others we are able to truly understand them. Please don’t confuse empathy with sympathy though. Because I am not a fan of sympathy but love empathy. 

• Lesson #4: Gratitude becomes your daily fuel.  Serving others forces you to shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance of blessings in your own life.  Gratitude fuels your energy and keeps you going when the serving gets tough.

How often do you actually thank God for what he has given you? When was the last time you expressed your gratitude towards someone else? Keep in mind that if you were expressing gratitude with the intention of asking them for something then it’s not REAL! 

Please NEVER express your thankfulness then in the next breath ask for a favor. Nothing is worse than, “I love that helped me cook dinner tonight, can you help me with???????”

• Lesson #5: Unexpected connections blossom.  Serving alongside others creates a beautiful tapestry of unity. You connect with people from all walks of life, forging friendships built on shared purpose and a desire to make a difference.

So, how do we translate these lessons into action? Here’s your battle plan for service-fueled growth:

• Find Your Serving Sweet Spot: Not all service is created equal.  Discover what ignites your passion and aligns with your skills.  Maybe you’re a whiz with numbers and could volunteer at a local financial literacy program, or you have a way with words and could offer writing workshops at a youth center. 

• Start Small, Dream Big: Don’t feel pressured to solve world hunger overnight. Begin with something manageable, like volunteering at a soup kitchen for a few hours a week or mentoring a young person facing challenges.  Remember, consistency is key. A little bit of service goes a long way, both for the recipient and your own personal growth.

• Embrace the Journey: Serving others is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be moments of frustration, but don’t let them dim your light. Lean on your faith, draw strength from your community, and keep pushing forward. Remember, even the smallest act of service can spark a ripple effect of positive change – in the lives of others and in yourself.

Serving others isn’t just about helping them; it’s about helping yourself grow into the best version of yourself possible. It’s about humility, patience, empathy, gratitude, and connection. So, let’s get out there and serve, y’all! Let your service be a testament to God’s love, and watch your own life be transformed in the process.

Remember, as you grow in your service, you’re putting God First and Living Next in a powerful way! Now go make a difference – and have some fun along the way!