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The Result of Service


Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 3:13)
          “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
          “Good Job!”
          These are the sorts of things we long to hear. There are times I’d settle for a “Thank you.” As much as we need recognition from others, today’s passage talks about something else. It talks about being assured in ourselves. No, I’m not talking about arrogance, but there is something about knowing that you did a good job even if no one else notices or even agrees. There is something about knowing you are living according to the principals and values you believe are right and best.
          And what it is that we need to do well? 
          Serve.
          Uh oh.          
If we want to feel assured of our faith, we need to serve more and
serve better. If we want to feel as if we matter, we need to do something that matters to someone: serve. I know people who serve well. Some volunteer in several places. An Erieite of a former age comes to mind: Sarah Reed. I can’t recall in how many committees she was involved, but it was more than fifty. A retirement home and a children’s center were named in her honor. I just can’t imagine, even with a computerized planner.
          I’m not saying that we should all volunteer for everything. Right now, I don’t feel as if I can volunteer for much because of the limitations involved in taking care of Dad. I can tell you that picking up trash when I take a walk has given me assurance that I do matter and that I can do something worthwhile. I know it sounds strange, but something as basic as cleaning up gives a sense of satisfaction, and a sense of assurance. 
          If you wonder where you stand with God, go do something for someone anonymously. Get good at it. These “works” won’t give you access to God or to heaven. They’re not meant to do that. They will give you access to yourself.  

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