Bulletin Article

How You Can Help Others Serve

It is an act of submission and service to allow others to serve us.

                                                                                                                        -Richard J. Foster

            The above quote comes from Richard Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline.  One word of particular interest in that quote which might need understanding is the word submission.  In the English language, it carries various meanings depending on the context.  The Random House College Dictionary defines submit as to give over or yield to the power or authority of another.  When we choose to allow another to help us (i.e., to give over) because we are not capable (i.e., powerless, lack understanding) we are actually serving others.

            When it comes to serving, this is most likely the hardest area for change.  Many of us have no problem helping out another, being there for them.  But when it comes to sharing ourselves, our struggles, our shortcomings, we find a myriad of excuses why we don’t have to.  I think of the words written by the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  How can someone carry that which they do not know needs carrying?  The answer is, they can’t.  Although not exclusively, the “burden” being spoken of here surrounds sin (note 6:1); thus, at some point and time I will need help (power, strength) from someone else to become victorious over a sin problem.  Notice, I did not say might.  We need each other!  I need to allow you to serve me.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

            There is power and opportunities in numbers.  Victory could very well be but a phone call away.  King Solomon wrote, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

            How wonderful it would be if we humbly accepted these truths and embraced them with a servant’s heart.  But to get to places of such intimacy, we must first trudge the issues of life together, asking people for help in places of every day need, developing relationships that will set the stage for deeper areas of servant-hood.  Like Jesus who did not go to his “garden” alone, why should we?  Be a servant today by letting someone serve you and thus help to fulfill the law of Christ.

Dennis