by Guest Writer Sarah Rupp

In a few weeks, I am going on a service trip to Canada with my youth group. We will be fixing up a camp and getting it ready for the campers. The week’s projects consist of digging a ditch, cleaning up the cabins and the grounds, and building docks for the lake. Now, I’m excited because I’ve never been out of the States before, but when looking at all the work to do, it’s easy to get down about it.

What is service, really? Is it just a lot of work with no reward?

I like how the Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes it: “useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity.” It may feel like I’m working for nothing, because I cannot touch the result, but doing good things for people and asking nothing in return has a huge impact on people.

So how do I get out of the attitude of selfishness and change to the attitude of humility? I made this list to help me remember why I’m serving:

- I am serving to become more like Christ, taking on the humble attitude He modeled while He was on earth.

- When I serve people, I am also serving God. “…anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.” Matthew 25:40

- Because I would want someone to do the same for me if I needed to be served. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

- If I let it, it will help me become a better person and experience things that may be beneficial in the future.

- Though the situation may not glorify me, it brings God glory and paves a way for Him to change the lives of people.

I only have five so far. Can you help me with my list? What are YOUR reasons for serving? Comment below!

Note from Halee: Sarah is now in Canada with her youth group! We wish her all the best and can’t wait to hear more about her trip.

Sarah Rupp is a freelance writer who loves God, reading, fashion, and music, as well as writing of course! You can find her over at her blog, Sarah’s Words of Witsdom, or her fashion and beauty blog, Mod Style Lounge. She enjoys connecting with readers and other writers though comments.