Servant: 10 Practical Ways to Serve Others.

Confession time: I'm still listening to Christmas music. My decorations went down on New Years Day, but I just can't put the Christmas music away yet.

I've been constantly listening to two favorite artists this season. Interestingly, both of them have highlighted how Jesus, the almighty Son of God, gave up his throne to become a little boy. That little boy was destined to die in the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind.

But Jesus didn't just give up his life in death.

He also gave up his living life in service.

Have you ever noticed that we tend to glorify those who give up their lives by dying but not the ones who give up their living lives by serving and sacrifice?

We glorify the knight in shining armor who would die to protect his lady fair. But how often do we see scenes depicting ordinary men who quietly give up their living lives to crucify their personal desires and give themselves to serving their families?

We glorify the martyr, but think little of those who give up their living life on a day to day basis, quietly sacrificing innermost wishes for the good of others.

It reminds me of the adage, "I would die for you!"

Whether we say that in context of our spouse, our faith, or our country, it is a noble sentiment. But it is only noble if we can also say, "I would live for you."

Galatians 5 says, "...by love serve one another."

Jesus spent his years of life humbly serving others before he finally gave up his life to save mankind. He was the ultimate example of a living servant.

On our own strength, we can never be like Jesus. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, he can teach us and work through us to also become a servant. Sometimes it helps to have some practical tips.

Most of us serve in some capacity every day, so these are tips that go above and beyond the average call of duty and really give us an opportunity to sacrifice self for the good of others.

1. Open your home in hospitality. Not only is this a biblical command, but it a chance for you and your family (if applicable) to take that extra mile in thinking of others. Hospitality often requires extra time devoted to grocery shopping, preparing food, and considering how to make guests feel welcome. The heart of hospitality is making others feel at home, comfortable, and loved. This invites a splendid chance to truly think of and serve them.
2. Take a meal to a hurting friend, a new parent, a lonely neighbor. It doesn't have to be fancy or even home-cooked to be very meaningful. 
3. Consider volunteering at your local soup kitchen or rescue mission. Not only will you be serving those who desperately need it, but you will come away with new gratitude for how the Lord has blessed you.
4. Volunteer in your church. Everyone has something they can do to serve. Whether it's nursery, the decorating committee, leading worship, counseling, chaperoning teen events, or scrubbing down bathrooms, there IS a job for you.
5. Serve your family in some extra way. Perhaps it's handling a job your spouse normally takes care of when he or she is extra busy. Maybe it's putting extra thought and effort into a special meal. 
6. Have elderly neighbors? Take your children over to wash their car, rake their leaves, mow their lawn. You could even bake them cookies!
7. Give back to your community. Are there events to pick up litter or clean the community? 
8. Invest in the future by getting involved in after-school activities at schools. Whether it's a Bible Club or just an opportunity to hang out and mentor some kids, it's a great chance to serve children.
9. Offer to get groceries for a busy parent. Take their list and provide your own Instacart for them. Consider either quietly leaving the groceries at the door if they really don't want visitors or offering to come in and put all the groceries away. You could even clean the fridge.
10. Ultimately, constantly look for the little, glamorous ways to be a servant. It might mean just being the person in the background who is quietly picking up the trash, straightening the house, etc. 

I hope these ideas are helpful to you!

Please share YOUR ideas in the comments!