The world emphasizes “my rights,” while Christians stress serving “one another.” The contrast between the two approaches is readily seen in Jesus’ response to a request made by James and John. They wanted to sit one on the right hand and the other on the left hand of Jesus when He was in His glory. The ten, having overheard the conversation, were very upset with the two sons of Zebedee. Jesus explained that greatness would not be based on exercising authority, but service. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:35-45).
The Lord demonstrated such greatness by washing their feet on the night of His betrayal. He explained, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:12b-15).
The first Christians went so far as selling possessions so the money could be used to provide for any fellow believer who had need (Acts 2:44-45). Paul commended Phoebe because of her service to the brethren (Romans 16:1-2).
The Galatians were freed from the Law of Moses, but not to do wicked things. Instead, Paul said they should lovingly serve one another. Jesus emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbor (Mark 12:29-31). Refusing to serve one’s brethren is the first step on a hateful course. Paul cautioned that this would lead to biting and devouring until brethren would finally consume one another. A negative spirit allowed to run wild will eventually kill all the good a church has been doing and leave it to suffocate on its own critical breath (Galatians 5:13-15).
We should constantly be on the lookout for needs in the lives of other members of God’s family. Then, we should respond by serving one another.
