A continuance in lawyer-ese is getting an appearance in court for a client temporarily postponed.

I am not in trouble with the law so I don’t have that in mind. 🙂

In my last post, I wrote about the Day of Service the church is going to have. As I write this it still has not happened so I am speaking in the future tense for a reason. But for the purpose of this post, I want to briefly write about an issue Jeff brought up in his comments.  A very valid issue actually.  One that directly affects us.

Back in October 2009, we conducted a Day of Service. I’m sad to say it was the last one until this one. But that isn’t even the issue he uncovers. What he uncovers is common to many organizations (even or especially churches): service must be more than a one-time thing and it must definitely be more than a “pack mentality” approach. Service needs to be more than on “special occasions.” I’ll go out on a limb and say service should be a part of our daily thinking and action. An occasional foray into service is not what Jesus had in mind. Our lives ought to be lives built around service to Him and to others.

Service should also not be done to get some type of reward. Many of the students apply for what is called the Lilly Scholarship. It is a worthy scholarship, paying for tuition (and I think room & board) for all four years of college. Quite an honor. One of the qualifications they look for is service projects. Here’s the point I want to make: if service is done just for an award or reward is that really service? The motivation becomes suspect. Service done to help others just because it is an attitude you have is a whole ‘nother ballgame.

Jeff is right. Service should not stop only on today’s Day of Service. It should carry on beyond today. I, for one, am encouraging that. I am saying that to myself. I am saying that to you. Jesus said “He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.” Let’s follow His example.

The Day of Service takes place this (Sunday) afternoon. My next post will recap some of the day.