A time to serve

Mahatma Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Gandhi studied religion and was well aware of Jesus. I have no doubt that this is a learning that jumps off the pages of scripture. Twice in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus mentions that a person who wants to find his life, has to be willing to lose it for his sake. In recent years Rick Warren has been talking about the purpose driven life and telling us that if we want to find our life, we need to look to God. God is giving and loving.

I am moved by stories that tell how others have come together and sacrificed for the well being of those in need. Modern day heroes include Mother Theresa, Bono, Franklin Graham and a host of people who have made it a point to advocate and live for others. You can have a ton of money and be unhappy. You can have beautiful people in your life and still not find satisfaction. You can have glamor and fame and come away empty. Just look at Tiger Woods, Jesse James, Lindsey Lohan and Brittany Spears and you will see brokenness and a search fo something more.

That's why I love the idea of serving others. I belong to the Norwich Rotary Club and our motto is "Service above self." The idea is that if we serve others, the whole community will benefit. God was pretty smart when he put this idea in our hearts. Later on the Apostle Paul picked up on it when he called the Christian community the body of Christ. He noted that we all have a role to play in making something great happen. It is so true. When we each come together to share our gifts, great things can be accomplished and God will be glorified.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start serving.

Cal