Not Living To Serve Ourselves

We recently had another Food Pantry giveaway at our congregation (see more here), and I remain extremely pleased with our members.

It’s not easy to give away free food.  This past Friday, we received 17,000 lbs of food which needed to be unloaded, counted, sorted, boxed, and then carried to someone’s car.  Those who volunteer give up most of the day exerting the energy required to pull this off.  And if that's not fun enough for you, we don’t always get a “Thank you.” 

Some complain, saying that they didn’t get the kind of food they want.
Some argue, wanting to make sure they get the same amount as everyone else.
And some simply don’t say a word. 

The congregation doesn’t get any new members out of the deal.  It doesn’t receive a higher worship attendance.  In fact, not much changes here at Bethlehem except that we get our hands dirty. 

We serve because people need it. 

Sure there’s the occasional person who comes through the line typing away on her ipad, but most of the people really need this food and it doesn’t matter why.  They might have been irresponsible with money, they might have had a string of bad luck, they might have a drug problem.  It doesn’t matter, they need food, so we serve.

The members of Bethlehem serve.  And I don’t hear any complaints from those who serve except about their sore muscles.  They serve not to get a “thank you,” not to get new members (though it would be welcomed), and not because they’re deserving.  These redeemed children of God serve their neighbors and community because they need to be served.  

For Christ has served us in a greater way, that while we were kicking and screaming He dragged us to the font and baptized us into His death and resurrection.  And though we are daily ungrateful for His salvation, He continues to provide us with Holy Absolution.  So when we see a need and a way to help, we do so.  It’s not rocket science, it’s just being human, it's not living to serve ourselves.

“For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.  For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:7-8