But in service we must experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves.

“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant…even as the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve.” Matt. 20-25:28


Self Righteous Service
Inspired by human effort – energy and scheming to plan how to serve
Concerned with gains/scoreboard – impressed with the “big deal”
Requires external rewards
Concerned with results and reciprocation
Picks and chooses whom to serve
Affected by moods and whims
Temporary
Insensitive – demands the opportunity to help, insists on meeting a need, even if destructive
Fractures community – glorification of the individual


True Service
Inspired by a relationship with Christ
Difficult to distinguish the small from the large
Content in hiddenness – divine approval enough
Needs no results and can serve enemies
Indiscriminate, servant of all
Ministers simply and faithfully because of a need
A lifestyle, springs spontaneously
Can be withheld as freely as performed
Builds community – it quietly and unpretentiously goes about caring for the needs of others. It draws, binds, heals, builds

“Above all the graces and gifts the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to his friends is that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring the sufferings, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of Christ.” -St. Francis

Large tasks require great sacrifice for a moment; small things require constant sacrifice.

Service
guarding the reputation of others - “speak evil of no one”, submission- being served, common courtesy; hospitality, listening, bearing each other’s burdens; sharing the word of life