Love God and serve others. It seems to me the tool of serving others should be firmly placed in the godly dad’s backpack. My guess is you already serve in lots of ways. But, WHY do you serve? HOW do you serve? And, WHAT should you do so you’re where God calls you to be related to serving others?
Why does serving others matter so much?
It’s easier to see the sins of others. Exhibit A: my middle child. She will eventually do what I ask. But man, she can really frustrate me on the way to her doing that thing I asked. It’s almost like a magical power—her ability to do what you say—with the worst possible attitude. It’s my kryptonite. She does this thing where she physically drags herself as he moans and groans around the house to complete her chores. I hate it.
Now, God probably never does this with you—only with me—but, as I typed that last paragraph about my daughter. I’m reminded of a recent time, when, as I got into bed, my wife asked me to change the temperature on the thermostat. Sure, I did it. But, I huffed and puffed all the way to the thermostat. God hates that.
How do you serve others? Do folks have to ask you to pitch in? Or, are you the first in line to help? You already know the power of building relationships, praying fervently, trusting God, and knowing Scripture. How you serve others matters because people around you—especially the people who live with you—see how you serve. They are watching. But deeper than your wife and kids noticing, God sees your heart. I’m convinced, how we serve others shows we are believers to a watching world.
The godly dad knows that serving others is a key tool in his pack.
How does serving others play out in your life?
Huffing and puffing when my wife asks me to do something is real and I’m working on it. Now, I need you to stop thinking about me and my confession. What about you? What does serving look like in your life?
- Do you take time, especially when busy, to have that much-needed conversation with your daughter?
- Are you able to point your son away from that bad decision and point him in the right direction?
- Is there a neighbor who could use your help? And, just reading this question put them on your mind?
You’ll find more insightful questions in your Survival Gear. But for now, let Paul speak to you from Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
You and I can fail as dads when it comes to serving if we don’t show humble examples in our homes. If we’re not careful, if we huff and puff too much, we’ll raise kids who huff and puff. It’s super annoying to see your own sin peer back at you. Imagine what God thinks about it.
If you want to thrive, you must serve.
What does serving others look like for you right now?
If you and I were enjoying coffee right now—which I’m personally doing as I type this—are you really serving others? What examples do you have? Where’s the evidence? And, I don’t mean serving with a bad attitude. I said I’m working on me. Leave me outta this. Fix yourself. Gosh.
Listen, it’s time to take an honest assessment. Once you do, you can determine where you are and what you should do next.
The four stages of serving others are:
Stage 1 > New Traveler: You will pitch in and offer help if you’re asked by someone to do a specific task.
Stage 2 > Capable Navigator: You proactively sign up to be a servant in some context, giving your time and skills.
Stage 3 > Road Warrior: You’re a leader in your church or another group at taking on volunteer projects.
Stage 4 > Tour Guide: You actively look for ways you can serve those around you all the time.
Now, no matter which stage you’re at, don’t feel bad. But truly assess yourself. Which stage are you on right now related to serving? Be honest. Then, determine to move to the next stage.
The godly dad actively looks for ways to serve those around him all of the time.
