One of my favorite authors speaks of the purpose of education as preparation for service in this world and for wider service in the world to come. Long have I considered the concept of service in the world to come. To me an act of service is something we can do to supply a need for another. I can understand that here. There is so much need here. But what need could exist in a universe without pain, heartache, starvation and sin? There is so much yet I do not grasp.
What I do know is service is the key to growth and happiness. When we live only to ourselves and see others only as a means to satisfy us, not only does our character shrivel but does also our joy in living. The fullness of life comes from finding someone who needs us. It is basic. We need to be needed. The one who needs us is providing service to us.
Recently I spoke with an older person who lost most of what he had labored for all his life. When wondering how this could have any meaning at his stage of life we pondered together the concept that it was a preparation for his wider service yet to come. We must not limit our scope to now and here. If we truly believe what Jesus promised in John 5 that when we accept His gift we step into eternity, then there is so much more for us, so many things to do, so many tasks to accomplish, so much service that needs us. If we ever wanted to feel needed all we must do is to become a citizen of God’s Kingdom.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 7, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org