A Lifestyle of Service: When Love Looks Like Showing Up

“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” — Romans 12:11

We all admire Jesus for His teaching, miracles, and sacrificial love—but there’s another side of His ministry that’s quietly powerful: He served. He welcomed. He noticed people others ignored. And He didn’t wait until it was convenient.

In Luke 8, Jesus was on His way to help a dying girl when He was interrupted by a chronically ill woman who touched His cloak. He stopped. He noticed. He healed. This happened again and again. Whether it was a centurion’s servant or a man being lowered through a roof, Jesus let love interrupt His schedule.

That’s what a lifestyle of service looks like. It’s not a program. It’s a posture.

But let's be honest—busynesscompeting priorities, and even disinterest often get in the way. We want to help, but life gets loud. And sometimes we miss the Spirit's gentle nudge because we’re not paying attention.

What if service wasn’t about fitting one more thing into our calendar, but about seeing interruptions as invitations?

Jesus calls us to live with open hands—willing to share our time, treasure, and talents with those in need. That could look like dropping off groceries for someone who lost their job, offering a ride to a senior, or simply showing up for a friend who needs a listening ear. These acts don’t cost much, but they mean the world.

It’s not just about the world “out there” either. Our churches run on service—greeters, childcare, small group leaders, prayer teams. Once we belong, we’re responsible for contributing to the spiritual home we’ve been given.

Ephesians 4 reminds us that every believer has been given gifts to build up the body. Whether you’re good at teaching, organizing, cooking, or simply smiling at someone new—you’re needed. A healthy church isn’t run by a handful of overworked leaders but by many faithful members each doing their part.

Welcoming newcomers is part of this calling. Church should be the one place where no one feels alone, lost, or overlooked. That happens when someone greets you at the door, helps you find a seat, listens to your story, and maybe even prays with you before you leave.

These small moments echo Matthew 25: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.” Service isn’t just doing things for Jesus—it’s doing things to Him.

Ask God this week to give you His eyes for the people around you. Look for simple ways to love and serve. And when you feel that nudge—don’t miss it.

Because Jesus isn’t asking for a few volunteers. He’s inviting us into a lifestyle. And that starts when we let love interrupt us.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
— Matthew 25:40
 
Beecher Wilhelm

Beecher Wilhelm brings a wealth of financial wisdom as a retired credit manager with an MBA from Syracuse University—but his impact doesn’t stop there. As a dynamic small group leader at his local church and a guest writer for Connect Home Life, Beecher combines faith and experience to inspire others. Whether he’s breaking a sweat at the gym, sharing laughs with family and friends, or discovering hidden gem eateries, Beecher lives life with purpose and passion.

To hear Beecher tell it: “I’m not a Bible scholar. Most days, I feel like I’m one step behind the groups I lead. But I show up—because grace showed up for me. I’m a recovering imposter, sinner saved by grace, still learning where the books of the Bible are. What I do know is this: Jesus uses the unqualified to reach the overlooked. So I open the door, make space for the unheard and unsure, and trust that when we show up with compassion, He does the rest. If you’ve ever felt unseen or unworthy, you’re exactly who I’m here for. Let’s figure it out together.”

Next
Next

Midlife Awakening: Your Journey Starts Now