We recently polled our online readers: What does service mean to you? Can you serve others without serving God?

Erin White, Victoria
When I think of service, I think of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. This was a job for the servants, and the God of the universe knelt down to wash the dirt off these men who didn’t even understand why He was there and what He was doing for them. Jesus knew that Peter and Judas would betray him but He loved them so compassionately that He washed their feet, ate with them and died for them. Would we be prepared to wash the feet of a person who was going to betray us? This is the kind of service Jesus wants us to show others, even if they don’t deserve it.

Chantal Tompson, Victoria
By serving others you are serving God. By serving God, you can serve others. So it works both ways. I had the chance to go to Thailand for World Youth Congress in 2003-04. While there we served others who didn’t know God. By doing something for them we were letting God shine through us. Service is letting God use you, to positively impact someone else’s life forever. It’s allowing God to let you make a difference for someone else. You can try to serve others without God in your life, but it just doesn’t work. It’s our point of call, to offer His love to everyone. Without God, you can’t serve properly and meaningfully.