Whom Do You Serve?

by Donovan Dobbs

Jesus said, “Then the King will say to those on his right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world 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.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” —Matthew 25: 34–40

God has really been challenging me with this verse for about three months. It all began in the fall issue of Leadership Journal (published by Christianity Today). The entire issue was on churches and ministries that are reaching the “least of these.” These churches were not serving the people as a “people group” to be reached nor as “souls to be saved” but as people created by God who needed to be ministered to for no other reason than serving Christ. The articles were filled with just ministries. No programs. No how to make your church grow. No fluff but only serving Christ!

Am I any different than any other group helping others this time of year? During the “holidays” many groups are helping the less fortunate or those in need. Everyone from bikers to the local schools. Even my community group helped a lady named Barbie with Thanksgiving dinner. There is nothing wrong with helping someone this time of year. However, the question that keeps coming to mind is “How am I serving the rest of the year?” Do I help or serve those in need January through October? Do I make the sacrifices that I so easily make during this time of year? Am I willing to buy someone shorts for the summer when I bought them a coat at winter? How would you answer these questions?

So do we just keep on doing what were doing or do we allow Christ to change us? Christ does call us to serve for the sake of serving (Matt. 6:1–4). When we serve people for his sake, we will be blessed (Luke 14:12–14). After the hype and good cheer of Christmas are gone, let us be different from the world. In January, let’s bring warmth to someone. In February, share Christ’s heart with someone. In March, let your actions thaw a person’s heart that is cold because of this cynical wold. In April, spring to action by planting flowers in someone’s yard. In May, as the sun stays out longer buy shorts for a family. In June, teach a kid to swim. In July, celebrate your independence from sin by sharing Christ over a hot dog. In August, work on providing school supplies to those in need. In September, help those in need prepare for the coming winter. In October, scare away depression by spending time with someone simply because they are there.

Even after the holidays are over and we slip into the new year, keep your heart open to serving those around you all year long.