The Risk in Serving

If you are considering to give your life to the service of others, be aware of the risk. When the challenge comes to us from the pulpit or by others means to be involved in public service, very seldom are the risks included in the invitation. The main satisfaction in serving comes by giving ones self without anticipating anything in return. That is what love is, it doesn't expect anything in return. The risks involved in public service are many. One who serves is always on display in the publics eyes. There are those whose main job in life is to critic your job as a servant. Some are objective about it while others can be quite hurtful. There are others who always look for the "hidden" agenda, the "motive behind" your service. Some are backbiters (quite cowardly) talking behind ones back. Others are more open in their comments. The secret to overcome these risks is to keep a clean consciense about your service and ministry. Be able to lay your head on your pillow at night and sleep without any concerns. The other thing is not to take any attack personally. This requires to build some defensive mechanism that allows you to love those out to harm you and at the same time not allowing their poison to get to you. Our main purpose is to please the one who has called us to serve. Jesus found that being a public servant required being misunderstood, threatened, verbally abused and humiliated. But with all that He went through was able to stay focused on his goal and purpose in life, to give himself for others. What a joy it is to serve others!