I’ve been spending time in John 21 lately, and not because I’m a breakfast lover.
If you read this post you know I have a lot to learn about being a servant.
My heart bends toward awe as I study the ways Jesus quietly served Peter and the other disciples on the beach that morning. Yes, food was involved but Jesus, spoken from a heart of love, also asked a question that required them to face the reality of their situation. It was actually an irritating question that all fishermen dread on slow, unproductive outings: How many fish did you catch? (my translation)
While I won’t be frying up fish for anyone (sorry!) a few other ways to quietly serve like Jesus comes to mind.
Serving others well is a desire that begins in the heart, emerges from love, and comes to fruition by the power of the Holy Spirit. Share on X
Crush the Desire to Compete
Don’t get me wrong, competition on the field is a must (just ask our Clemson Tigers!) but as believers, that spirit doesn’t belong in our writing circles, church ministries, or our calling. Why? Because we’re not competing against each other. We’re on the same team, desiring the same outcome for God’s glorification, not ours. When we refuse to compete, we release (and receive) blessings that a fleshly “win” could never provide. The enemy seeks division cleverly disguised as friendly competition. Let’s not fall for it.
Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3,4
Do the Unexpected
The disciples didn’t expect someone to ask about their fishing, or to receive instructions on where to throw their net, or better yet, to find Jesus preparing breakfast for them on the shore. Jesus often did the unexpected during His time here on earth. Unexpected for the recipients, that is. (John 5:19) When we stay in tune with God, the Holy Spirit shows us opportunities to bless others in unexpected ways. Maybe it’s a phone call, a handwritten note, flowers at a doorstep, a simple hug, or a gift card to Panera Bread for a yummy breakfast (ahem, this month’s giveaway to my subscribers!)
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10
Practice Breath Prayers
Back in 2013, I wrote a brief post on the subject of breath prayers. Kelly Minter refers to those quick, quiet prayers breathed up to God as the pre-work of prayer. At the time, I was teaching on the subject of Nehemiah. The breath prayer we read in Nehemiah 2 is simply the natural overflow from a four-month reservoir of prayer seen in Nehemiah 1.
We pray behind-the-scenes to pave a foundation for opportunities to pray for others at a moment’s notice. Perhaps it’s coming alongside someone after church or on a lunch break and praying aloud with them. But on those days we can’t do this, we can pray a prayer so quick and so quiet that the recipient will never know the power that just shot in a heavenwardly direction on her behalf.
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.” Psalm 150:6
The more I think it over the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people. – Vincent van Gogh
Is there some way you quietly serve others?Β
Great post, Cathy, and good food for thought. These three ways to quietly serve others are so good to remember. I especially like the first one – crush the desire to compete. Alot to think about from this post. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to share, Crickett. π I believe competition is one of the enemy’s favorite tools to bring division. Love being on the same team with you, my friend. What a blessing!
Beautiful. This made my morning. It’s really not hard to live in an attitude of prayer. You just have to be breathing. π Like so many other things He has given, it’s simple, but we tend to make it complicated.
You’re so right, Betty! π Thanks for taking the time to share. Have a blessed day!
Great post Cathy. I like all 3 suggestions, but especially like the breath prayer. I use that all the time and didn’t know it had a name. I think part of doing the unexpected is being open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. When we live “in touch” with the Spirit, we are more apt to step out and do the unexpected when called to minister outside the box of our comfort zone. Your words are a blessing this morning.
And your words are a blessing this evening, Sheryl. I couldn’t agree more — staying in touch, in step, with the Spirit gives us both the discernment and the courage to step out of our comfort zones. I appreciate your taking the time to comment and bless others. π
Cathy, I witnessed your cheerful, sacrificial service at BRMCWC. I learned much from our short but sweet time together. Thank you.
Your quick sweet smile never failed to encourage me or those around us, Jan. I enjoyed getting to know you a little more this year and I hope that will only increase in the future. I’ll never forget you and Dee Dee peeking through the cafeteria hall door when I pulled up in the golf cart. ha!!!! Blessings, friend. Thanks for taking the time to share. π
Thanks, Cathy for the ideas and reminders. I wrote those scriptures down in my notebook along with the surprising quote from Van Gogh. I spend a lot of time thinking of practical and creative ways to serve and bless others … then I do them. I feel like my intentional acts of kindness to random strangers brings joy on both sides. Sometimes they are anonymous and sometimes they are aren’t, just depends on the situation … but I could write a book about all the fun things I’ve gotten to experience. In fact, I am writing one — mostly for my 7 grandchildren as a legacy and an example of what God can do.
I am SO delighted to hear that you’re putting it all together in a book for future generations to enjoy! Thank you for sharing. π
The main way I serve silently is through incessory prayer. There are times I send support through a friend who does not share my name. I guess that isnβt entirely silent except to the recipient π
Amen, sister. Amen.