There is a profound beauty in the design of community. Throughout our series, “Better Together,” we have explored the “one another” verses of the Bible—the mandates that show us how to live in sync with the Spirit and with each other. As we conclude this series, we find ourselves at the intersection of a special celebration: Mother’s Day.
It is fitting that we discuss the call to serve one another on a day dedicated to mothers. Motherhood, in its purest form, is a living, breathing masterclass in servant leadership. It is a role defined by self-sacrifice, tireless labor, and a commitment to nurturing others. By looking at the example of mothers and, ultimately, the example of Jesus Christ, we can better understand how to use our freedom to lift each other up [17:44].
The Foundation of Love and Knowing
Before we dive into the act of service, we must understand the intimacy required for true community. In the scriptures, the Hebrew word yada describes a deep, intimate knowing. It is used in Genesis to describe the union between Adam and Eve, but it is also used in Psalm 139 to describe God’s relationship with us: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me” [06:33].
God knows us fully—every flaw, every fear, and every strength. There is no pretense required when we stand before Him. This level of intimacy is the bedrock of service. When we truly “know” one another within the body of Christ, we can serve not out of obligation, but out of a deep-seated love that sees a need and seeks to fill it [07:16].
The Gold Standard: The Virtuous Woman
Proverbs 31 provides a “gold standard” for what it means to be a person of virtue and service. While often directed toward women, the principles within this passage—industry, wisdom, and compassion—apply to every believer.
The woman described in Proverbs 31 is not a passive figure; she is a powerhouse of service and leadership. Consider her attributes:
- She is Industrious: She finds wool and flax and works willingly with her hands [19:58].
- She is Shrewd and Wise: She inspects a field and buys it, planting a vineyard with her earnings. She is an entrepreneur who uses her skills to provide flexibility and strength for her household [20:20].
- She is Compassionate: She opens her arms to the needy and extends a helping hand to the poor [20:36].
- She is Clothed in Strength: She speaks with wisdom and gives instructions with kindness, laughing without fear of the future [21:12].
This is “feminism before feminism was a thing”—power utilized for the sake of love and the betterment of the family and community [22:55]. When we honor our mothers, we are honoring this spirit of “give, give, give” and “serve, serve, serve” [29:36].
Freedom is for Service
In Galatians 5:13, the Apostle Paul gives us a crucial reminder: “For you have been called to live in freedom… but don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” [30:06].
True freedom in Christ is not the liberty to do whatever we want; it is the empowerment to do what we should. If we use our freedom only to serve ourselves, our legacy ends with us. But when we use that freedom to serve others, we create a lasting impact that reflects the heart of the Gospel [30:41].
The Ultimate Example: Washing Feet
If we want to know what perfect service looks like, we look to Jesus. In John 13, on the night He was betrayed, the King of Kings did the unthinkable: He took the role of a lowly servant and washed the dusty, travel-worn feet of His disciples [31:46].
Jesus told them, “Since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow” [31:53]. Christ’s example shatters any illusion of hierarchy or “importance” within the church. If the Master is willing to serve, the servants must be willing to do the same. Service is the pathway to blessing.
A Call to Action for the Days Ahead
As we look toward the future—honoring our graduates as they embark on new journeys and celebrating the mothers who paved the way—we must remember the urgency of our calling. 1 Peter 4:7-10 reminds us that the end of all things is near. Therefore, we must:
- Be Earnest in Prayer: Discipline yourselves to seek God on behalf of others [34:34].
- Show Deep Love: Love covers a multitude of sins and is the glue of conflict resolution [34:51].
- Practice Hospitality: Share your home and your resources cheerfully [34:59].
- Use Your Gifts: God has given each of you a unique spiritual gift. Use it well to serve one another [35:07].
Whether it is a mother managing a household, a student stepping into a new career, or a neighbor helping a friend, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Today, let us commit to being “better together” by choosing the path of the humble servant.
Watch the full sermon here: Better Together | Serving One Another