41- The importance of the service and its generality

The service

And its successful conditions

The service

The importance of the service and its generality

Service is not restricted to those who work in the field of education, but it is necessary for all and of benefit to all, as we have discussed this issue before here on st-takla.org in other sections. It is considered as one of the general spiritual means. It is a general spiritual principle that is required from all the faithful: the old and the young, the married and the celibate. The saying of the Bible is sufficient:

“ To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jas 4:17).

Sins are not only what is negative in one’s actions, but the lack of doing good is considered a sin. Therefore the spiritual person is the one who always does good, as an image of God whom we describe as “The Beneficent”, and as it was said about the Lord Jesus Christ that He: “Went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Are you like that?

The spiritual person does not live only for himself...

There is a well known saying: “He who lives only for himself never lived.” Then in the service, you must get out of your shell to meet others. You must get out of the “I” sphere to spread your love among all. You feel that your message in life is to do good to all those whom God send in your way. The more you gain experience in life and broadness in the heart, the circle of your service will get bigger. It would not be limited to your house and your family, and not only to your relatives, neighbours, friends and colleagues, but it will reach to a range that is wider and wider...

The service, in its essence, is an expression of love that is stored in the heart towards God and people...

It is required from each faithful to love God with all his heart, with all his soul and with all his might. This is a commandment since the Old Testament (Deut 6:5). And it was repeated in the New Testament also (Mt22:37-39). Love is not just a theoretical thing, because the Bible says: “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 Jn 3:18). Practical love shows in the service. Because you love God, you express your love for Him by spreading the word about His Kingdom, by serving the church and serving the Word. And because you love people, you serve them by all means that are available for you and useful for them...

The important thing is that the element of sacrifice and giving is present in everyone’s life, everyone.

And so you find that the service has given you a spiritual virtue, that is love, giving and sacrificing. By that, you would have benefited from your service... You may serve the poor and find that due to their need, some of them turned to lying, stealing or cheating to obtain what they need. Do not get weary of them or give up. Do not get annoyed and let your reaction leads you to treat them badly... Maybe God allowed you to meet those people to learn patience and long-suffering and also wisdom in your way of acting. Or maybe to serve them spiritually and help them to get rid of such bad behaviour. Then you would have gained spiritual virtues while serving them...

The oblations

The Spiritual Means Books by H. H. Pope Shenouda III

Types of service