Serve Impactfully Devotional Guide
Day 1: The Call to Serve. Matthew 20:26-28
Reflect on Jesus’ example of service and what it means to serve others selflessly. Jesus calls us to be servants, just as He served and gave His life for many. Reflect on how you can embody this servant-hearted attitude in your daily life.
•In your experience, how have followers of Jesus impacted the world in positive ways? Sign up for a serve ministry in your church. Whether it is within or beyond the congregation, make sure your motive is simply to serve God and other people. Give of yourself freely, be willing to accept even the humblest tasks.
Day 2: Recognizing Harm. Matthew 7:15-20
Examine how Christians might unintentionally cause harm and the importance of being mindful in our service. Service without love can harm rather than heal. Reflect on how your actions and attitudes impact others and how you can ensure your service brings about healing and wholeness.
•In your experience, how have followers of Jesus caused harm? Check your motives: think of one act of service you do. Make a list of your motives for doing so (both good and bad motives). Which of those motives do you see as helpful? Which are harmful? Ask God to make you aware of all motives and to help you live into the helpful ones.
Day 3: Community Needs. Micah 6:8
Discover the needs of your community and how you can address them through the loving way of Jesus. God calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Reflect on the current needs in your community and how you can meet these needs through acts of love and justice.
•What are the needs of your community right now that could be most impacted by the loving way of Jesus? Make a list of the needs in your community and brainstorm ways you can address these needs. Choose one actionable step you can take this week to begin serving in a meaningful way.
Day 4: Measuring Impact. Matthew 25:35-40
Reflect on what it means to have a lasting, impactful service to God and others. Jesus teaches that serving others is akin to serving Him. Reflect on how you measure the impact of your service and seek ways to make long-term differences.
•How do you measure faithful, impactful service to God and others? Make a list of things that you need to let go of in life, as well as things that you need to add, in order to be a servant in the way of Jesus.
Day 5: Focused Service. Colossians 3:23-24
Contemplate the importance of focused and dedicated service, doing a few things but doing them well. Quality, over quantity matters in service. Reflect on how you can focus your efforts on fewer projects or acts of service, ensuring that you do them with excellence and dedication.
•What does it mean to “do few things, but do them well”? Identify one area of service that you feel particularly called to. Dedicate yourself to this area, committing to do it to the best of your ability, and seek God’s guidance to refine your efforts.