Reflecting Christ As We Serve

Serving is a huge part of who we are at Riverview. In 1977 a small team of people came to Michigan State University to serve students and share the Gospel with them. Forty years later that group’s legacy lives on as we continue to grow in the Gospel, serve one another, and live on mission.

Why is serving such a huge part of who we are at Riv?

We grow as a family.

[quote]For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. – Galatians 5:13[/quote]

Family is a word that brings up a myriad of different thoughts; both good and bad. Some of us had great families that were marked by love and service to one another. Others of us weren’t as fortunate.

When Jesus died on the cross, He died to break the power of sin in our lives. To know God is to turn from our sin and have faith in this truth. When we do that, we are given eternal life and freedom to live and reflect Him in the world. Using our freedom to love and serve one another is evidence that God has saved us.

When we choose to serve during a weekend service, as life group leaders, or in other ways, we grow together. We grow in our relationship with God but also in our relationships with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

We grow in humility.

[quote]Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus – Philippians 2:3-5[/quote]

Humility is an interesting thing. The Holman Bible dictionary defines humility in this way: The personal quality of being free from arrogance and pride and having an accurate estimate of one’s worth.

Serving others is one of the best ways to free ourselves from arrogance and pride. Making time for others and considering their needs above our own helps us grow in our faith and live focused on what Jesus has done for us.

Living this way is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile. Serving gives us the opportunity to radically rank other people above ourselves. And when we do, we see people for who they really are: image-bearers of God.

We grow in Christlikeness.

[quote]For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45 [/quote]

If there is one reason we serve, it is because we believe in Jesus–the suffering servant–who lived and gave His life as a ransom for us. When we read through the gospels, we cannot help but see Jesus’ love and service to those who came to Him. He taught, He healed, He prayed, He served.

What an amazing blessing we have to worship a God who is our example in this! When we serve, we reflect Christ to those around us.

That is a pretty good legacy to leave behind.