"Serve us" to "Service"

Most of us remember the old full service gas stations. I worked at one the better part of four years. You could stop and have someone pump the gas for you, check your oil, wash your windshield and all with a good attitude.

We would all get excited at the Texaco station whenever the bell would ring and we could go to work. If things were slow we would even check the tire pressure. Check this out, if one was low we would put air in the tire. And are you ready for this - for free!

That was a long time ago. Very few exist today. Basically, you are on your own unless you go to a $40 an hour mechanic.

In that vein, there was a time when many served this country. It seems a while ago, but many were more interested in serving than they were in being served. It seems that everyone now-a-days is more interested in what they can get, rather than what they can give. President Kennedy said "Ask not what your country can do for you; rather ask what you can do for your country". That needs to be asked again and again; and what is true with the nation is true with society. We have developed a "serve us" mentality. "What have you done for me lately?" is the mantra of many people. Our churches, schools, families, and neighborhoods have become "serve me" zones. I think it would be good for us to return to service.

Personally, I think it is a lack of committment for the greater good which is producing this mentality. That is what made this nation great! Our forefathers had it and we had better get it or we will lose something very valuable as a people; freedom! Let's move away from this "serve me" mentality towards a "service" mentality.

Our church also must have people who serve! But some of us are more interested in what the church can do for us. I think we need to flip the script on this selfish, self-centered, sinful thinking. Somewhere in the journey of faith a transition must begin. Somewhere, as Christians we must find ourselves moving away from "serving us" to service. James, in his epistle, said it best: you say you have faith, show me your faith by your works.

Thank you for the multitude of you who work like there is no tomorrow. God bless your service!



Pastor