If you aim to serve more than to be served, follow these 9 Christian principles

The essence of Christianity is service over self-interest. It’s about aiming to serve more than be served. This is not an easy path, but a fulfilling one.

Living this way requires understanding and adhering to certain principles. Principles that guide us towards a more selfless, service-oriented life.

These are not just rules, but life-changing insights drawn from the heart of Christian teachings. They aren’t just for Christians either – anyone seeking a more meaningful, service-driven life can benefit from these.

So if you’re ready to step into a life of greater service, here are 9 Christian principles that can guide you. Let’s dive right in.

1) Love your neighbor as yourself

It’s a simple phrase but carries profound meaning: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. This is one of the foundational teachings in Christianity, and it’s all about service.

The principle here is clear: treat others the way you would want to be treated. This rule, also known as the Golden Rule, transcends religion and culture – it’s a universal principle of altruism.

In practice, this might mean offering help to a stranger, volunteering your time to a good cause, or simply being there for a friend in need. It’s about stepping outside of our own needs and wants and focusing on those around us.

This is not just about doing good deeds for the sake of it. It’s about adopting a mindset of service, where we aim to contribute positively to the lives of others.

Remember, serving others doesn’t mean ignoring our own needs. It’s about striking a balance between self-care and service to others, always striving to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

2) Forgiveness is key

One truth I’ve learned about living a life of service is the power of forgiveness. The principle of forgiveness is deeply ingrained in Christian teachings, and it’s a critical part of serving others.

I remember a time when I was wronged by a close friend. The hurt ran deep and it was tempting to hold onto that pain and let it turn into resentment. But holding onto that grudge wasn’t serving anyone – not me, not my friend, not the people around us.

After prayer and reflection, I turned to the principle of forgiveness. It wasn’t easy, but I chose to forgive them. And in that act of forgiveness, I found freedom – freedom from bitterness, anger, and resentment.

You see, forgiving someone isn’t about letting them off the hook or saying what they did was okay. It’s about freeing ourselves from the burden of carrying that pain and resentment. It’s about choosing love over hate, service over self-interest.

So, when we aim to serve more than be served, remember to practice forgiveness. It’s not just for them; it’s for us too.

3) Humility is strength

Humility is often misunderstood. In our competitive society, it can be seen as a sign of weakness or lack of ambition. But in reality, it’s a sign of strength and maturity.

Humility is about recognizing our own limitations, acknowledging our mistakes, and being open to the ideas and opinions of others. It’s about putting others before ourselves.

Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, washed the feet of his disciples – an act that was typically performed by servants. This act was a powerful demonstration of humility and service.

In a world where people often strive to be first, choosing to be “last” in the spirit of humility can be a powerful way to serve others. It sends a message that you value others and are willing to put their needs ahead of your own.

4) Seek to understand, then to be understood

This principle is all about empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy is a powerful tool in the service of others.

Before rushing to judge or give advice, try to understand where the other person is coming from. Listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and empathize with their situation.

In the Bible, Jesus always took the time to understand people’s struggles before offering guidance or healing. He listened, he empathized, and he loved. This ability to truly understand others is a crucial element of service.

So whether you’re helping a friend through a tough time or volunteering in your local community, remember to seek first to understand, then to be understood. It’s not just about doing good deeds; it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level.

5) Practice unconditional love

Unconditional love is a cornerstone of Christian teachings. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t expect anything in return. It’s selfless, compassionate, and forgiving.

This principle encourages us to love others regardless of their flaws and mistakes. It asks us to show kindness and compassion even when it’s hard.

In the Bible, Jesus embodied unconditional love. He loved and served everyone, regardless of their status, their past, or their beliefs.

So, as we aim to serve more than be served, let’s strive to practice unconditional love. It won’t always be easy, but it’s a powerful way to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

6) Be a beacon of hope

In a world filled with struggles and uncertainty, being a beacon of hope is one of the most profound ways to serve others. This goes beyond mere optimism; it’s about embodying the hope and promise that Christian faith offers.

Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of how hope can inspire, uplift, and transform lives. Hope is the light at the end of the tunnel, the belief that better days are ahead.

But being a beacon of hope isn’t just about sharing uplifting words. It’s about being there for others in their darkest times, offering support, comfort, and encouragement. It’s about showing through our actions that no one is alone in their struggles.

So in our quest to serve more than be served, let’s strive to be that beacon of hope for others. It may not always be easy, but it can make a world of difference in someone’s life.

7) Faithfulness in small things

There was a time when I found myself feeling insignificant because I wasn’t doing anything “big” or “important” to serve others. I was just going about my daily life, doing the small things that needed to be done.

But then, I remembered a passage from the Bible, where Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” It dawned on me that even the smallest acts of service can have a significant impact.

I realized that every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every moment spent listening to a friend – they all matter. It’s not about the size of the act, but the love and sincerity behind it.

So if you’re feeling like you’re not doing enough, remember that faithfulness in small things is just as important as big gestures. Every act of service, no matter how small, is a step towards a life of serving more than being served.

8) Lead by example

One of the most effective ways to serve others is by leading by example. Actions speak louder than words, and when we live a life of service, we inspire others to do the same.

Jesus didn’t just preach about love and service; he lived it. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the sorrowful. His life was a testament to selfless service.

As we aim to serve more than be served, let’s strive to lead by example. Let’s show through our actions what it means to love unconditionally, forgive freely, and serve selflessly.

Remember, you don’t have to be in a position of authority to lead. Every act of kindness, every moment of understanding, every gesture of love – they all set an example for others to follow.

9) Keep the faith

Walking the path of service is not always easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But it’s in these moments that the principle of keeping the faith becomes crucial.

Faith is not just about believing in God. It’s about trusting in the journey, even when the road gets tough. It’s about staying committed to a life of service, even when it feels thankless or overwhelming.

So keep the faith. Stay strong in your commitment to serve. Remember, every act of service, no matter how small, is a testament to your faith and an expression of God’s love in the world.

Final reflection: A journey of service

The call to a life of service is a profound journey, deeply rooted in the teachings of Christianity. It’s not about grand gestures or public accolades, but about the quiet, consistent acts of love, kindness, and understanding.

These nine principles we’ve explored are not just guidelines, they’re transformative paths towards selflessness. They challenge us to step beyond our comfort zones and put others before ourselves.

Remember the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, “Whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

As we aim to serve more than be served, let these principles guide us. It won’t always be an easy journey, but it’s one that brings deep fulfillment and meaning. And in serving others, we not only transform their lives but ours too.