living for christ

serving others

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

- Galatians 5:13

The summer before eighth grade, I had to opportunity to go on a missions trip in Chicago for a week. Immediately, I agreed to sign up. Some of my parents' friends are missionaries and I thought as a child it was so cool that they traveled around the world to help others and spread the message of God willingly. So, when I was able to go on one, I was excited. 

I believe that God truly changed my life. Once I came back from the missions trip I wanted to help as many people I could. 

On the missions trip, we helped out at various places such as a soup kitchen and spend time with elders in a nursing home. One day we walked around the city and assisted anyone in need of help.

I spent the morning helping out at a daycare in Chinatown. It was so cool to be on stage with little kids praising God with all their hearts. All they felt was joy and I could feel it too. 

I was a different person when I came home. I was forced to go back to my normal daily routine, but my heart was different. 

I realized that my life was great and I took things for granted. I became more grateful for things I normally took for granted. I became more empathetic. I was determined to dedicate my life to serving others.

In John 13:1-17, Jesus washes his disciple's feet. Now, this is incredibly significant because their feet were very dirty and caked with mud. Not to mention, this is Jesus we're talking about! You wouldn't think that the Son of God would willingly wash his follower's feet.

However, in John 13:14-15, Jesus says:

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Jesus' actions in this chapter set an example for us. I believe that reason why God included this part in the Bible because He wants us to know that we should take every opportunity we can to serve others.

Like I said before, when you serve others, you are serving God.

Please, if you have the opportunity to go on a missions trip, I would encourage you to go on one. Whether it's though your church or ministry, please take the opportunity. It will make an impact on you. You will feel God's presence and you will come home changed. 

I've found that going on a missions trip isn't the only way you can serve others. You can do it your house or school. If you have younger siblings, help them with their homework or do more chores around your house to help your family. At school, do something as simple as holding the door open for someone or help people you see are struggling.

To anyone who is reading this, I highly encourage you to serve others as much as possible. It will not only make an impact on you, but to others too.