When the Apostle Paul was unable to visit the brethren in Philippi, he sent them one of his dedicated and helpful assistants. “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants,” Paul wrote to the congregation (Philippians 2:25).

Epaphroditus served diligently—so much so that his health suffered gravely! “For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow,” Paul wrote. “Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me” (verses 27, 30). “Epaphroditus almost died serving God’s Church because others failed to do their part,” wrote Pastor General Gerald Flurry. “These scriptures emphasize the importance of everyone serving in any way they can” (Philadelphia News, November-December 1992).

Serving the brethren is not a responsibility that lands solely on those in ordained offices within the Church. God does not limit serving opportunities to a few individuals. In fact, He deeply desires more service from the whole Church membership.
God’s design is that everyone serves.

Each member of the Church must be developing the heart to serve. Sadly, such a heart is rare.

Paul wrote about another of his trusted servants, Timothy: “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s” (verses 19-21). Verse 20 in the English Standard Version reads, “For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.”

This tells us a lot about what it means to have a heart to serve. Those with such a heart are “genuinely concerned” and “naturally care.” Paul said he only knew of one such individual! God wants all of us to develop a heart to serve.

How can you develop such a heart? Here is a first step: Do what you are told.

This is more than performing tasks out of obligation. Listen for opportunities and directives. A minister or deacon may ask for a helping hand, seek volunteers, or give directions on how we can serve the congregation. Additionally, we receive many messages with service admonitions. After hearing these directives, we have to act. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

Following simple instructions may open your mind to see a need you didn’t recognize before. Perhaps you will then observe that someone needs to set up for services, that a senior requires a ride to services, or that an activity demands helpers.

When we do what we are told, we will better recognize needs and the interdependence of the Church body.

This is a second step in building such a heart: See the need.

Of course, that alone does not give you a heart to serve. We may often see the need but still lack the heart to follow up and follow through on it.

Next you may see that helping with physical tasks can lead to something more. By giving a ride to a senior, you may realize that each one of us has a deep desire for companionship. The person you chauffeur often transforms in your mind from being a “needy person” to being one of your closest friends. Soon you may wonder, Did someone really need to tell me to give this friend a ride?

The third step, then: Genuinely care.

Paul was surrounded by converted helpers. Many did what Paul instructed them to do, many saw the need themselves—but few genuinely cared. Few had a heart to serve. Why?

A major obstacle in developing a heart to serve is selfishness. Let’s face it: We are all selfish! Yet there is a way to overcome this fault. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4-5). Serving is all about looking out for the needs of others above your own. Paul points out that it takes the mind of Christ to do that!

One with the heart to serve will direct his own life, time, talents and energy to help others. Everyone can serve in this way.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compared God’s Church to a body with many members. Every member has an important role. We need to help each other, and we need help from each other. Appreciate the service of others. Encourage those who give of themselves. Such gratitude strengthens the whole Body.

The fourth step: Pray your heart out.

Not all service is seen, but much of it is. What isn’t seen openly is our prayers. The quality of our intercessory prayer is a litmus test of our heart to serve. In some cases, interceding for each other in prayer may be the only help we can offer; though in many cases, praying for the needs of one another will stir us to act and cater to those needs.

Consider a few practical steps to bring your service to the next level:

• Pray to meet those needing help. God will open doors for you if you genuinely seek Him.
• Fellowship. In conversation with brethren, deacons and ministers, we learn about the needs of others and how to fill them.
• Build relationships. Boost camaraderie with those who serve at your side and those you are privileged to serve, whether serving under your local deacon or minister or serving a senior.
• Establish regular communication. A phone call, a card, a conversation at services transforms the fleeting relationship into a lasting friendship. A service opportunity may spark the basis for such a friendship.
• Share yourself. You can share a meal together or give a gift, but most of all you need to share your time, life experiences and dreams. Seniors especially love to hear what is going on in other people’s lives and give their advice.
• Housewives unite. Husbands can encourage their wives and give them more opportunities to serve from the home. Housewives can prepare meals for others, give calls, and coordinate together to help more brethren.
• Care. Those you serve know the difference between genuine concern and a casual offer to help.

Pure religion is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction (James 1:27). But more than the act of doing that, it is the selfless attitude behind it that God really praises. God has given us service opportunities—not to fill a need but to develop His very own character: a heart to serve!