For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. 1 Cor 3:9 NLT

I was a freshman at Fairhaven High School when Massachusetts native and President-elect John F. Kennedy delivered his Inauguration Address in January of 1961.  This particular sentence in his speech is still most impressive:  He said, “Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country.” Over a half century later, his inspiring words seem mostly ignored or treated as a mere echo in our Nation. The truth, potential, and practical application of his words, however, are hard to deny and remain as our wholesome consideration.

More direct excitement came along in 1995 when Nobel Prize winner Mother Teresa electrified our area with her visit to New Bedford. In most amazing fashion, the humility of this lady, who served the least, last, lost, and lowest in the slums of Calcutta brought fame her way. At some point, she kicked up the “Servers Creed” with one of her most famous sayings: “A life not lived for others is not a life at all.”

Although highly influential and in their Christian identity, it would be futile for me to analyze or judge the religious beliefs of John Kennedy or Mother Teresa. Their thoughts, plans, words and lives speak for themselves. Only Almighty God can play the perfect role of judging their motives, character, and destiny.

I do feel comfortable, however, to add to their contribution and share this: On Father’s Day, several years ago, the men in our church received a pen as a gift from our church. You see a picture of it with Built to Serve as a focus and Galatians 5:13 referenced that says – By Love serve one another. May I also include what was appropriately written on the back:

Jesus is the Architect of my life.

Day by day He shapes and strengthens me.

Day by day, he makes me more and more like Himself, more and more a monument to what His forgiveness can do in a man.

I am built to serve!

So family and friends, it’s amazing when we discover the supernatural simplicity of where the serving heart of great people originates. Jesus said He came to serve and not be served. He gave up His glory as Creator God to come to Earth as a man to forgive and redeem us back to Him and His family.

True service must be God’s way because it originates from His nature, heart, agenda and example. Given all our best human efforts, the purpose for our being is to glorify the Living God in our service to others!

Rom 12:1-2; 1 Cor 6:19; Mark 12:30-31; John 12:26; Luke 22:27; Josh 24:15