As followers of Jesus, we are called to love one another — and that includes practically loving our communities. Each year we focus the month of November on giving, serving, and loving others, and it’s our hope that you’ll continue to fulfill that mission throughout the rest of the year, too!
We know it’s not always easy to carve out time in your schedule, especially during the holiday season. But now is the perfect time to give back and serve in nonprofits that are making a difference in your community! And if you need a little more convincing, start here with 4 reasons you should serve during the Be Rich season.
1. When we serve others, we grow in our relationship with God
Serving others means following Jesus’s example. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus tells us he came to serve, not be served, and he wants us to follow that example. When we follow Jesus in this way, we get to know him on a new level and discover our purpose and gifts that he created us to use. And Ephesians 2:10 tells us why: "... we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” By stepping into serving, you’re stepping into an opportunity that God created uniquely for you!
2. Serving helps us connect with others on a deeper level
Whether we realize it or not, we need connection. One of the best ways to connect with others is by doing something shoulder-to-shoulder. There’s something impactful about working together with others towards a common goal and a collective good that bonds us together. So whether you’re looking to strengthen existing relationships with your Group, or friendships, or to cultivate new relationships with people in your community, serving at one of our partner's Be Rich projects is a great way to make lasting connections.
3. We cultivate humility and gratitude in ourselves when we serve
When it comes to serving, we tend to focus on the time we’re giving up to do it rather than the good it brings. But the reality is that serving does even more in us than around us. As we serve, we choose to give our time and gifts to help others.. It reminds us that the world is much bigger than ourselves — a message we don’t always hear in our everyday culture. And serving also helps us gain an appreciation for all that God has given to us. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:6 that "godliness with contentment is great gain." If we want to grow in contentment, we need to be willing to step into the situation of others to gain the needed perspective.
4. Serving allows us to show Jesus' love to people who may not know him yet
One of Jesus's last commands to his followers was to love one another. While that might not sound radical, he put a qualifier on his command: “As I have loved you, love another” (John 13:34.) Jesus gave up his life for others so that the world would know his love. During his most famous sermon, Jesus said, "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:16). We don't serve so that we can impress others, we serve to point people to a God who loved us enough to roll up his sleeves, step off his throne, out of heaven, and into the mess of humanity to rescue us.
For more information about Be Rich this year, visit LCBCchurch.com/BeRich. or check out:
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!