As I write this, I am preparing to embark on a missions trip with our youth group. In fact, if I spontaneously break into a packing list, feel free to skim to the part where I regain my focus and resume the pertinent content!

In preparation for our excursion, our team has been studying and practicing servanthood. Through that focus, the Lord convicted me to make this commitment to Him: “I will practice serving in my home this week by consistently putting my family’s needs ahead of my own, and I will consciously look for more opportunities to serve them in love.”

Serving on a missions trip (or comparable opportunity) doesn’t necessarily feel like a stretch. Service is expected and embraced in such situations. Meanwhile, serving at home often tends to resemble an aerobic workout! Yet that is the very place, the very ministry where our servant selves should be in shape. It’s more than an obligation, more than a “duty”, more than an expectation. Being a servant should be at the heart of who we are because that is the example of our Savior.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, NIV)

As in an exercise program, we start the practice of serving with a warm-up. Say a prayer, make a commitment, and prepare your heart to serve. Is it that simple? Absolutely. A heartfelt prayer such as, “This is the commitment I’m making. Please help me to serve You by serving my family” reaches the heart of the Father and, in turn, shifts our hearts to servanthood.

Then it’s time for the heart-healthy workout. If you’ve ever taken part in cardio fitness, you know that this is the time when you push through and give it all you’ve got. It’s no different when we serve. There are times this past week when my children have tested that servant’s attitude I’m striving toward … and the Lord has provided the strength to hurdle their responses and to press on to serve in love.  Is it tough? At times. Is it worth it? Definitely. And it’s good for us, too! J This is the stage where the difference is made and hearts are changed.

Finally, no workout is complete or wholly effective without a cool down. After sweating it out in service, it is necessary to replenish.  Breathe in, breathe out.  Have that “you” time. Nourish yourself through the Word, partake of the Bread of Life, drink in the Living Water. Take the time to recover so that you are ready to exercise your servant self again.

We could carry this illustration on by looking at consistency and commitment, long-term benefits, and being spiritual fit as we repeatedly practice serving.  Actively pursue servanthood in your life.  Consciously look for opportunities to serve in your home. And above all, do it because you love your family and your Lord. Love never fails and never gives up!

I find that exercise is more enjoyable when friends are sweatin’ it out with me. I am committing to a service workout. Will you join me?

*Results are guaranteed. Spandex are not required.

Joy Jochems has been in ministry literally her whole life. While Joy is actively involved with her local church as youth ministry coordinator and lends a hand at CWAHM as devotional coordinator and guest contributor, she recognizes that her primary ministry is in her home, to her children. You can contact Joy at joy@cwahm.com.