Develop a Heart to Serve

The word “serve” is defined, “to do service for, aid, help and take care of the needs of others.” An attitude of service is motivated by a humble heart to truly serve another without expectations of reward or personal gain. How does a parent teach his child to have the attitude of true servant hood?

Plant the seed of true service in your child’s heart by emphasizing the importance of considering the needs of others as more important than his own. Paul wrote, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). This verse is not saying to put oneself down. Lowliness means that one knows who he is—a sinner and that by the grace of God he is saved. In Christ’s own words the greatest love a man can have is to “lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus’ sacrifice for us is even more powerfully poignant in that “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Paul is telling us to put aside selfishness and consider the needs and interest of others as more important. Doing this shows an attitude of true humility and a respect and common courtesy for others.

From an early age a child will mimic a parent’s every move. All parents have experienced their child talking just like them into a plastic phone, fixing a meal in toy pots and serving her dolls or pounding a plastic hammer in an effort to fix something. Not only are actions copied by a child, but
attitudes as well.

Serving our family and friends by “doing” is something we all strive for. It is the attitude we have when we “do” that is important. As you go about your day cleaning the house, doing laundry, fixing the meals, washing and or fixing the car, is your attitude cheerful or are you resentful? If you want your child to be cheerful in serving, set the example of a cheerful attitude in your service. Let your children see it is not a burden for you to serve and do for them, but you do it because you love them.

Teach your child that possessions do not give birth to happiness. Giving and serving others is one way of serving God. There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is wrapped up in possessions. When the possessions are gone, the toy is broken and the party is over what is left? True joy comes from embracing Christ by serving others.

Jesus Christ is our quintessential teacher. Christ came to serve all of mankind and He did so with a heart of humble service. Christ never turned anyone away. He served those He knew as well as the stranger. He didn’t just serve by “doing” the service, but He exemplified the attitude of compassion, interest and concern for all who came to Him. If you are hesitant about getting involved because something more will be expected of you than what you wish to give, your child will learn only to serve within his comfort zone. Do not limit your service to family and friends. Take your serving attitude everywhere with you. Hold the door open for an elderly woman at the store, rake the leaves for a sick neighbor or visit a resident at a convalescent hospital. There are many opportunities everyday to serve another.

Developing a heart of humble service does not come naturally. Over time your children will learn by your example how to have a humble heart. A humble heart means to appreciate and respect the worth of others. Your commitment to serving others with a loving and humble attitude will rub off on your children.