I think it’s a symptom of the fall. I think it’s because we live in a world of sin and brokenness. I don’t think God intended it this way (at least I hope not). But, the truth is, almost everything that is good for you is difficult. Vegetables are gross. Working out is hard. Reading is boring. If it’s good for you, it’s probably not the first thing you want to do.

       The hardest part of most of these things is forming the habit. Eating good food and exercising regularly is what yields results. It takes time for your body to change and move in a positive direction.

       The same is true with serving. Serving others is a good thing. It’s good for your soul. Paul quotes Jesus to make this point in Acts 20:35, “35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” It’s good for you when you give to others. 

       Now, much like eating our vegetables, this isn’t always what we want to do. It’s hard to be giving. We don’t always want to serve. We don’t always like who we’re serving. While it may be good for us, it isn’t necessarily what we want to do with our time and effort.

       And, like exercising, the payoff in our own spirits happens over time, not after one session. Nobody goes to the gym once and expects to be shredded the next morning. It takes time to build muscle. It also takes time to build spiritual muscle with serving. The repeated act of putting others before ourselves is what changes us, not just the one time act.

       So, first of all, thank you for serving at our church. This ministry couldn’t run without you! But also, thank you for saying yes to Jesus’ call to not just serve once, but be a servant. Your decision to sign up and commit to serving regularly is what Jesus is looking for. And, it’s what leads to the blessing in your life. I pray that your life is blessed by your regular serving at our church as much as our church is blessed by you!