At Your Service

Our 100-year-old fixer-upper had electrical issues and other challenges. Here are some things I learned by entertaining anyway.

We’re big fans of the character of older homes, and our current home reflects that interest. My husband and I own a 100-year-old fixer-upper with incredible potential and charm. But with several projects yet to be completed, it’s admittedly not quite “there” yet.

Sadly we have historically allowed that to dampen our efforts at entertaining. But that changed recently when we discovered our location is convenient for friends who wished to meet and fellowship together. To my absolute astonishment, upon hosting we were told what a beautiful home we have currently and what potential it has for the future. And when our friends learned of a pressing electrical issue we had, they fixed it and extended sincere offers to help in the future. Monetary reimbursement for these acts of service was declined graciously.

Our friends’ generosity and exuberance amazed me! As a result, I have been learning a humbling lesson over the past few months. I have been greatly underestimating the power of service.

Gifts and service

Some are financially blessed and are able to give in this area, and that is valuable. But is it possible that we too often think of our potential resources in terms of finances only? Consider that time is also an incredibly valuable resource, as are hospitality, encouragement and multiple other spiritual gifts listed throughout the Bible (for a short list, start with Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12).

The more I delved into this subject, the more I gleaned. In 2 Corinthians 8, for example, I was surprised to see the emphasis Paul placed on the topic. In verse 7, Paul encourages his audience to “abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us,” then gives instruction to “abound in this grace also,” a reference back to verse 4 and “ministering to the saints,” or service (see Romans 15:25). (Recall that “saints” here refers to the brethren among the churches.) Faith, speech, love and so on are heavy hitters of Christianity! Yet service is counted among them.

Social benefits and sharing the load

In the same passage, I noted in verse 2 that despite the deep tribulation the brethren of Macedonia were experiencing, they had learned that giving was still possible. And they were giving in abundance. With joy! In verse 4, I learned that there was a fellowship to be experienced with service, a socially inclusive benefit merely from participating in the act.

That social benefit was something I had personally experienced while hosting friends in our home. To see their joy and comfort brought me joy. But after three weeks in a row of hosting, I was exhausted. So when Paul says in verse 3 of 2 Corinthians 8 that the Macedonians gave “beyond their ability,” should I have done the same?

Not necessarily. Paul was extremely proud of the spirit of giving by these brethren, but he did not demand serving to the point of our personal detriment. Note verses 13 and 14: “For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.”

I learned a great deal from this. I should be giving when I have the resources, but I can also step aside as needed and let others contribute according to their ability. Not only does this keep me from exhausting myself, it also gives others the opportunity to experience the benefits of service! Then it’s my turn again. There’s a distinct beauty in this type of cooperation, and it encourages togetherness. It can also prompt us to discover other resources we may possess.

Cheerful giving

Paul continues to address the subject into the next chapter with the familiar verse, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

I find it interesting that Paul took the time, as inspired by God, to set the context for this verse with the previous chapter. This scripture about a “cheerful giver” is often referenced when discussing tithes and offerings, and tithes and offerings are important (even commanded!). But could we be giving something more in addition? What other resources do you possess? When was the last time you hosted someone in your home or sat with a friend who just needed some company? Sent a card? Donated food?

This short personal study on service was tremendously inspiring for me and indicated a potential area for significant character development.

After all, the overall benefit of sharing our spiritual gifts—our resources—is growth. And during this season of renewal, growth is a vitally important topic worthy of our focus and examination.

Debbie Pennington is a freelance editor and writer. She and her husband, Guye, currently live in their northern Illinois fixer-upper and will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this spring.