Submitted by Pastor David Shadinger, Rock Port United Methodist Church

Workers at full-service banks, restaurants and gas stations used to offer a variety of necessary or expected services. Unfortunately, those types of businesses are going out of style.

Full-service people are those who follow the example of Jesus. However, Jesus attaches a very different meaning to the term “full-service.” In fact, His meaning is the exact opposite of what most of us expect. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus said: “You know that among the gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” (10:42-44)

Jesus turns our idea of full-service completely on its head. To Him, full-service does not mean that your needs are met and your desires are satisfied. Instead, full-service means that you serve others fully.

In the kingdoms of the world, power-people are tyrants. They throw around their money, status and power, and put themselves on display. But in the kingdom of God, power people are servants. Those who wish to be great must devote themselves to serving the people around them.

At the same time, acts of service do not need to be gigantic. Simply show people that you care for them and love them. That is the heart of living a full-service life. Always remember the words of Jesus, “whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant”.

Full-service banks, restaurants and gas stations may be going out of style. Yet full-service people who follow the example of Jesus, who “came not to be served but to serve” (v. 45), are always in style.