In Mark 10, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, went to Jesus asking for great positions next to Him, and like many people, making this request seemed honorable. It sounded like they wanted to be intimately close to Jesus. But then Jesus told them that true greatness is found in serving God and others.
And to stamp just how important serving others is, He told them: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”—Mark 10:45.
Discover…
- Why it's important to serve God and others
- How to serve others in alignment with God’s Word
Bible Verses About Serving God and Others
The Bible is a wealth of information on how to serve one another and our God. Take a look at these 7 passages that reflect the high calling of serving God and others.
- “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”—Philippians 2:4
- “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”—Hebrews 6:10
- “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”—Galatians 5:13
- “To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.”—1 Peter 1:12
- “Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.”—1 Samuel 12:24.
- “But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”—Joshua 22:5.
- “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”—Romans 12:10-11
These scriptures echo some of the most fundamental principles of living out the Christian faith: seeking the good of others and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves.
Practical Ways to Serve God and Others
We can show love to others through practical ways of service. Giving your neighbor a ride to church is an act or service, just like it is to serve in the worship ministry. Check out other practical easy to start serving God and others in the coming year…
Food Pantry
Many people in the community don’t know where their next meal will come from. The Food Pantry is a ministry where you can help people in the Kansas City community get a meal by providing free food and other resources.
Serve according to God’s Word…
- “‘…for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’”—Matthew 25:35-36
The Food Pantry operates in two locations, one in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and one in Independence, Missouri. Be a part of this ministry, discover the joy of generosity, and offer friendship and fellowship to those in need.
Missions
We are called to “go and make disciples of all nations…” The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19-20.
Serve according to God’s Word…
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”—Matthew 28:19-20
Through Abundant Life’s mission program work, you can join a global team of Christians reaching the world and partner with the Holy Spirit’s work to save many souls who God has called to receive eternal life through Christ Jesus.
Besides participating in God’s work of bringing people from all nations to Christ, through a mission, you can celebrate the power of the gospel to reconcile people from every tribe, language, and nation.
Outreach
There isn't a better way to be living proof of a loving God to a watching world than by going out into your community and loving others the way God loves. Abundant Life’s Outreach Ministry also provides multiple ways for you to love others in the greater Kansas City area.
Serve according to God’s Word…
- “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”—Acts 20:35
For example, you can serve in Love KC. The Outreach Ministry sends volunteers out in the community each year to serve in 37 non-profits at 58 different projects in Kansas City. You may serve free food to the needy, work with kids at a local school, etc. It's all about responding to God's call to serve.
Peace Ministry
We are each responsible for seeking the peace in our cities. When there is peace in our cities, communities, and families, we too, will experience peace.
Serve according to God’s Word…
- “And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”—Jeremiah 29:7.
The Peace Ministry serves and reaches multicultural communities in the Kansas City metropolitan area through the food pantry and three other ways:
- Hope Center for Inner City Youth
The Hope Center is a unique opportunity to show biblical hospitality through participating in serving economically vulnerable youth and families in Kansas City's east side.
- Welcome Center for Immigrant and Refugee Children
The Welcome Center is Kansas City Public School's entry point for incoming ESL students. Most of these students are immigrants or refugees from diverse cultures and speak different languages.
Serving here allows you to help these children learn and meet their basic needs.
- Agape Pamoja for African Refugees
This ministry reaches out to Congolese refugee youth living in Kansas City. Most of them need mentorship to thrive in the USA. You'll also partner with members of the Congolese community to mentor these youth through events and provide for their physical needs, ultimately creating peace and relationships, and opportunities to share the gospel.
Serving Starts Here
If you know the Spirit has laid it on your heart to serve God and others in new ways this year, we want to help you fulfill your calling. We are better together, and we share the mission to see lives changed by Jesus.
Connect with us here. You can also check out our Next Steps Class, where you will discover core values and take a unique assessment to ensure you are set up to serve in the areas God has gifted you in.
In Summary…
To serve is to minister to others through the gifts and abilities that God gives us. But the effect is not only on the one receiving service but also on the one who serves.
Choosing to serve and get involved in a biblical community builds a Christ-like character within us. It builds relationships and helps “stir up the gifts of God,” which become a light on the hill for others to see.
Serve according to God’s Word…
- “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”—2 Timothy 1:6
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:14-16
