Serving Others

One character quality our parents have made a point to instill in all of us kids is service. Ever since we were old enough to walk and hold things, we have helped Mom and Dad with work projects around the house. Scripture clearly teaches that work and service are very important character qualities for a godly person to possess.

Josiah helping Daddy assemble shelves for our garage.

One passage that all of us became familiar with from a young age is Proverbs 6:6-11. It says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”

Father and son working together.

They also taught us to serve with joy as Jesus did so many times in the New Testament. Serving others is a privilege! I’m very thankful to have this attitude instilled at a young age, because I’m still working on it! But if Jesus was willing to get down on his hands and knees and wash the disciples’ dirty, smelly feet (John 13), then I can surely learn how to serve others without grumbling or complaining.