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For the next five weeks Andy and I will be writing a brief, daily post (a 2-3 minute read) about the week’s spiritual discipline (this week’s discipline is service). Consider each post a continuation of Sunday’s message - a further exploration of how this discipline can be lived out in our lives. Enough said. Let’s dive in!

Richard Foster (author of Celebration of Discipline), in his chapter on the discipline of service, compares the many differences between self-righteous service and true service. One difference he notes is this:

Self righteous service is affected by moods and whims. It can serve only when there is a feeling to serve (”moved by the Spirit” as we say). True service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need.

Picture Jesus. The crowds have been relentlessly pressing in on him. And why wouldn’t they? They long for healing and wholeness and they know that Jesus can give it. So they come - by the thousands - always pursuing - always hoping. It’s in this context that Jesus learns of his cousin, John the Baptist’s, murder. With this news Jesus tries to retreat to a quiet place. But when he arrives there are 5000+ people waiting to greet him.

Jesus’ response is remarkable. The Scriptures tell us that when Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

What would you had done if you had been in Jesus’ shoes? Would you have felt like serving? And what will you do today, when you’re tired or busy and a crowd (or a single person) shows up where you expected peace and quiet (and believe me…they will show up)?

Self-righteous service springs into action when we feel up to it. But true service - service as Jesus modeled it - springs into action simply when there is a need. Today, which will you choose to practice?