Our modern world promotes self-centred living. The constant focus on self-improvement, personal success, and individual fulfillment can make it easy to overlook the importance of serving others. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to a life of service.
Matthew 20:28 “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
His entire life and ministry were centred on serving others, even to the point of sacrificing His life on the cross. So, how do we cultivate a heart of service in a world that often encourages us to put ourselves first?
1. Embracing Jesus’ example of humility
At the core of a servant’s heart is humility. Jesus demonstrated this beautifully in John 13, when He washed His disciples’ feet. Foot washing was a task typically reserved for the lowest servant, yet Jesus – God incarnate – knelt down to serve His followers. He told them: “
John 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
When we embrace humility, we become more willing to put others’ needs before our own, just as Jesus did. This doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, as C.S. Lewis famously said. True humility allows us to focus on others without seeking recognition or reward. When we follow Jesus’ example, we learn that service is not about status but about love and compassion.
2. Seeing service as an act of worship
Serving others isn’t just something we do for them; it’s an act of worship to God.
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Every time we serve with the right heart, we are ultimately serving God, bringing Him glory.
Viewing service as worship transforms our perspective. Tasks that seem mundane or unnoticed become opportunities to honour God. Whether it’s helping a neighbour, volunteering at church, or simply being kind to a stranger, every act of service becomes a way to express our love for God. As we serve others, we grow closer to Him, aligning our hearts with His.
3. Learning to serve without expecting anything in return
In a self-centred world, it’s easy to serve with the expectation of something in return – a thank-you, recognition, or even God’s blessings. But true service is about giving without expecting a return. Jesus made that clear:
Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Serving without expectations helps us focus on God’s approval rather than human praise. It’s a reminder that we serve because of God’s love for us and our desire to share that love with others. Serving selflessly aligns our hearts with God’s generosity and teaches us to be more like Christ.
4. Discovering the joy and blessing of serving others
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). One of the beautiful things about serving others is that it brings joy and fulfillment, often in unexpected ways. When we serve, we’re blessed with a sense of purpose and joy that goes beyond any personal achievement or material gain. Serving others shifts our focus from our own needs to the needs of those around us. It reminds us that we’re part of a larger community, connected by God’s love. By investing in others, we experience God’s blessings, discovering that a life of service brings deeper fulfillment than a life centred on self.
Becoming a light in a self-centred world
Cultivating a heart of service allows us to be a light in a world that often prioritizes self-interest. When we serve others, we reflect the love of Christ, inviting people to experience God’s kindness through our actions. Every act of service, big or small, becomes a testimony to God’s love. In a culture focused on self, choosing to serve others sets us apart as followers of Christ. So, let’s take every opportunity to serve with humility, joy, and a genuine heart. As we do, we’ll find that a life of service is one of the richest, most fulfilling ways to live. May our lives be a reflection of Christ’s love, bringing hope and encouragement to those around us and showing the world what it means to truly love like Jesus.