True versus Self-Righteous Service
(Editor’s Note: This was the first Social Justice piece we ran on Burnside. We thought we’d post it again, because it bears repeating.)
Self-righteous service relies on human effort, whereas true service flows out of a relationship with God. Listen to the promptings of God as you begin and lean on his strength to do the task.
Self-righteous service is impressed with the “big deal”, whereas true service makes no distinction between the large and the small. Be indiscriminate in your choice, knowing that God often considers the small task most important.
Self-righteous service requires external rewards, whereas true service rests contented in hiddeness. Avoid doing things for others as a means of getting applause or reward, relying instead on the divine nod of approval.
Self-righteous service is concerned with results, whereas true service is free of the need to calculate them. Do not let your expectations guide your service, and do not be disappointed if your service effects no external change.
Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve, whereas true service is indiscriminate in its ministry. Be careful not to neglect the poor and lowly in favor of the rich and powerful — OR vice versa!
Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims, whereas true service ministers on the basis of need. Do not let your feelings, which ebb and flow determine your actions: but rather, let the service discipline your feelings.
Self-righteous service is temporary, whereas the true service is ongoing. Compassion is a way of life that spontaneously meets human need, not merely an occasional helping hand.
Self-righteous service is insensitive, whereas true service withholds as freely as it gives. Listen with tenderness and patience before you begin. Be sensitive to what people really need, not merely what you think they need.
Self-righteous service fractures community, whereas true service builds community. Be careful no to let your “good works” become debts that others must repay. Direct your efforts toward building unity in the community.
Begin with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, show me someone whom I can serve.”
Original work: Foster, Richard, Celebration of Discipline, (pp 128 - 130) Adapted in “A Spiritual Formation Workbook: Small-Group Resources for nurturing Christian Growth by James Bryan Smith & Lynda Graybeal. Renovare, Inc. Revised 1999. (pp. 55-56).
Posted on March 5, 2007 12:00 AM
