Serving

More than ever, service is important.

A huge responsibility for the Christian is to serve others. And be happy doing it. (See Colossians 3:23-24; Galatians 5:13-14; Hebrews 13:16; Proverbs 19:17; 1 John 3:18, among many others)

Sadly, poor service is increasingly common (both inside and outside the Church).

“Service” seems to be evolving into one of those words that now means the opposite of what it used to mean, like the way “awful” used to mean “incredible” (you know…to be full of awe), but now just means terrible. 

Little of what is accomplished by the Internal Revenue Service, Civil Service, Postal Service, and Social Service seems to be service-oriented.

Customer Service, Wireless Service, and Internet Service are all terms characterized by inconsistency, irony, or indifference.

Service Stations have disappeared (and self-service isn’t the same thing). 

Room service is still a convenience, but one that is typically a marked step-down from an in-restaurant experience.

Service charges have become disproportionate tariffs attached to goods, billed for automated deeds as an artificial justification to charge higher prices.

Those who devote their lives to public service too often follow paths of greed and corruption, while those enlisting in military service have historically been neglected, forgotten, or at the very least, under-appreciated.

Community service is a punishment as often as it is a noble pursuit.

Religious service tend to cater increasingly to spiritual consumerism more than selfless surrender or sacrifice. Prayer services are among the lowest attended, least popular of all congregational gatherings.

When it comes to service, much of what is discussed is lip service.

Good service is unfortunately rare and altogether refreshing to experience. 

Good service is characterized by:

• responsiveness
• promptness
• pleasantness
• thoroughness
• attentiveness
• selflessness
• ability
• positivity
• responsibility
• civility
• humility
• adaptability
• information
• organization
• communication
• innovation
• prioritization
• cooperation

How’s your serve?