18 November | Youth
«For you serve the Lord Christ.» Colossians 3:24
True Christianity invariably leads us to a life of service. The ultimate purpose of service is to expand the kingdom of God on Earth. I am sure that whoever is serving in the church, in the family or in the community perfectly understands the greatness of service. We began to serve the same moment we were reached by grace. The desire of a convert's heart is to see others enjoying the same blessings they have experienced. Their only motivation is Jesus. That is it.
A story tells that a Christian shoemaker once asked Luther what he should do to better serve God. Perhaps he was waiting for the advice to close his business and become a preacher of the gospel. Luther replied: “Make a good shoe and sell it for a fair price.” Luther taught that man that he should serve God through his profession. We serve God when we perform our work with excellence. Do not say you are working for God if you do your job carelessly. Not even God appreciates a lazy saint.
A 13-year-old girl lost her parents. Alone, she had to take care of her younger siblings. She worked outside the house, cleaned the house, washed, cooked. From working so hard, she became sick. Some deaconess sisters came to visit her. She was prostrate. With tears in her eyes and with difficulty in her voice, she said: “We have no food, we have no money, we have nothing; all I got were these big calluses on my hands. If I meet Jesus, what will I say to Him?” One of the deaconesses, while straightening her hair, said: “Daughter, when you meet Jesus, do not say anything. Just show your hands.”
Hands marked by service. The hands of Jesus' disciples are the hands of Christ for the world. As His follower, you need to serve people for Him. Find out what opportunities are in your neighborhood and take advantage of serving in one of them. Be the hands of Christ wherever you are.
There is much we can do for others. We need to help people carry the heavy cross they carry. Offer someone a simple glass of water in the name of Jesus. Serve others with sincere love. Thus, many will be able to say that Jesus passed where you walked.