At Your Service- Week 4
Following Jesus: Your Path to Purposeful Service
Just as Christopher Columbus used the sun to guide his journey, we as Christians use the Son of God, Jesus Christ, as our guide. While Columbus sought a destination, our Christian journey leads us to a position of service, guided by Jesus’s final words in Matthew 28:16-20.
What is Our True Destination as Christians?
Unlike physical destinations, our Christian destination is a position of service. Jesus’s final command was clear: make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands. This mission doesn’t change regardless of where life takes us – the pathway may vary, but the destination remains constant.
How Do We Stay Focused on Our Christian Journey?
Like driving a car, we must keep our eyes focused on where we want to go. When we focus on God as our destination and serving His people as our purpose, we maintain our path. Distractions can pull us off course, much like:
- External influences trying to redirect our purpose
- People who encourage self-serving behavior
- Our own doubts and hesitations
What Can We Learn from Biblical Examples of Service?
Hebrews 11 and 12 remind us of faith heroes like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Rahab who remained focused despite distractions. Jesus himself demonstrated unwavering commitment to His mission despite opposition. These examples teach us that:
- Service requires perseverance
- We must fix our eyes on Jesus
- Opposition and distractions are normal parts of the journey
Where Does Service Begin?
Service starts right where you are – in your immediate surroundings. Whether you’re:
- Heading to college
- Starting a new job
- Staying in your hometown
- Going on mission trips
Your call to serve remains the same. God provides opportunities to serve in every context, often starting with the person right next to you.
How Do We Handle Difficult Service Situations?
Serving others can be challenging and messy. When serving:
- Don’t let your heart rely on people’s responses
- Serve for the right reasons – for God’s glory
- Remember that results are in God’s hands
- Stay committed even when it’s difficult
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to:
- Identify your current position of service
- Remove distractions that pull you away from your mission
- Look for immediate opportunities to serve those around you
Ask yourself:
- Where am I headed, and who can I serve along the way?
- What distractions are keeping me from fully serving others?
- Am I serving for the right reasons or seeking personal validation?
- How can I better focus on Jesus while serving others?
Remember, whether you’re just beginning your journey with baptism or continuing your walk with Christ, the mission remains clear – serve others and teach them about Jesus until He returns.