Service

Chapter 15

KBC Ohana serving those in need at River of Life Mission.

The striking relevance of chapter sixteen of this book, written almost one hundred fifty years ago, demonstrates that it falls into the category of a timeless classic. Whereas the language has shifted—I think there is a better choice of words that could be used in place of “idiot asylum”—the topic of service burnout and its applications is unquestionably fitting for today. So, if you have not yet read the chapter, stop now and do so before reading further. 

Whitall explains in the second paragraph that service, which “at the first may have been a joy and a delight, become after a while weary tasks, performed faithfully, perhaps, but with much secret disinclination (that is reluctance), and many confessed or unconfessed wishes that they need not be done at all, or at least that they need not be done so often.” I am certain there would be as many nodding heads or raised hands as there are people reading this blog if I asked who agreed with her sentiment. There was a time or two when I thought to myself “Why didn’t I save myself the hassle and become a pizza delivery guy or a Walmart greeter instead of a pastor?” Thankfully those are not frequent thoughts today (22 years into full-time Christian service), but I would not be truthful to say the thought never crosses my mind. 

What hope does Smith offer the reader in correcting course and returning to the joy that was their first encounter with Christ? Basically, she encourages us to continue where we began by surrendering anew every day. The picture she paints of the mental health facility (isn’t that better?) beautifully illustrates what maintaining our joy should look like. 

One little girl … made perfect movements. Not a jar or a break disturbed the harmony of her exercises. And the reason was, not that she had more strength than the others, but that she had no strength at all. She could not so much as close her hands over the dumbbells, nor lift her arms, and the master had to stand behind her, and do it all. She yielded up her members as instruments to him, and his “strength [was] made perfect” in her weakness.

This is exactly what God wants of us. We grow tired in our “doing” as we seek affirmation and meaning from our activity. Can you picture God’s Holy Spirit off to the side as we struggle to make the Christian life “work” for us? Can you imagine what He would say? I hear Him say, “My child, stop striving and surrender all to me. Let me guide you and be the one who lifts you up and gives you strength.” 

KBC Youth serving with conservationists in cleaning up the beach

In this chapter, the author encourages us to consider how God is ordering our steps and how He has designed us for particular tasks in the life of the Church—not for all the tasks. The service she encourages us towards is Holy Spirit directed and empowered. 

Please take time to read through this chapter and then seek out a brother and/or sister in Christ with whom you can discuss your experiences in serving and encourage one another to walk in the good works the Lord has put in your path to enjoy. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• Why do many people find Christian service a heavy burden?

• If you, as a Christ-follower, are in bondage to or burnt out because of your Christian service, what could you do to resolve that?

• How can you find “rest for your soul” even in the midst of what seems to be ceaseless activity?