Continuance

Written by cycleguy on November 1st, 2015

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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.

 

11 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    Definitely a great point that was brought up. I think you answer is spot on. Too often these “days of service” are all about us. They make us feel good about ourselves. It is a fun outing for a few hours and then we can get back to our normal existence.

    • cycleguy says:

      I know I really tried hard, in the sermon and after it was over, to stress this is not about us. I know it makes you feel good but think of those who were helped.

  2. Ceil says:

    Hi Bill! I hope your Day of Service went well today.
    I do think that service should be a ‘way of life’ as you mentioned, and as Jeff mentioned too. Sadly, if service isn’t a part of your background, it doesn’t get done.

    My husband’s family never did service projects. Because of that, he admires people who do them, but he’d never start one. I think that’s why a church’s role in modeling service is so important. Maybe it’s just one day for your congregation, but it can spark a lifestyle in someone’s life. If a family doesn’t take the lead, its nice for a spiritual family to do it instead.
    May we all learn the many ways we can help each other,
    Ceil

    • cycleguy says:

      It did Ceil. I plan to tell about it in my next post. The hope is a spark will be set and it will become more of a lifestyle. Thanks for the encouragement Ceil.

  3. True, Bill. We had a meet game at church last night. One guy was late because he was splitting wood for a lady. My boss goes to the local children’s hospital to rock drug babies in a weekly basis. Those are just two examples of what you’re talking about.

  4. Lisa notes says:

    Can’t wait to hear how the Day of Service went! While I agree too that service needs to be our lifestyle, sometimes we only get started when we’re with a pack and for a reward. Then we get hooked on the beauties of it for its own merit. I started serving at Manna House just because I didn’t want my kids to go without me, but then I discovered for myself how beneficial it was. So I’ve been going now for years without them. 🙂

  5. Pam says:

    Excellent points, Bill. Too often churches are guilty of the one-time, pack approach to service. But service is a hallmark of Christianity. Christ led by example!

  6. Service should be an ongoing part of our lives, that’s for sure, Bill. Looking forward to hearing how the special day went for your church.
    Blessings!