Joy — Philippians 1 – Thursday
TODAY’S VERSE
Philippians 1:12-13
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. (ESV)
In preparation for this devotion, I looked up a bunch of in-law jokes. They ranged from mildly funny to downright crude. But the truth is, I hit the jackpot with in-laws. My wife’s parents are awesome, and just watching the way they live their lives is inspirational.
About 15 years ago, they retired and decided to become snowbirds. They’re from northeast Ohio, so I can understand why the sun and heat of Florida sounded appealing. But as much as they said they were going to “retire,” they’ve somehow become busier than ever.
Dale, my father-in-law, does handyman work for widows and elderly people in his area. He vastly undercharges them because he genuinely just wants to help people. That alone keeps him busy most of the time, but in nearly every spare moment, he and his wife Sue volunteer at a local food bank.
They’ve been serving there for a couple of years now. A few times each week, they sort donations, organize supplies, and help distribute bags of food to people in need. But a few months ago, the man who ran the food bank unexpectedly passed away. It quickly became obvious that without his leadership, the food bank was likely going to shut down.
So in the absence of leadership, Dale and Sue stepped up.
They began working with accountants to make sure the finances and records were handled correctly. They started making box-truck runs to pick up donations. They spent countless hours organizing and cleaning the facility. They recruited new volunteers. They met with lawyers and bankers to help ensure the food bank could continue serving the people who depend on it.
The question that naturally comes to mind is, “Why?”
Why are they working this hard while many people their age are sitting at home watching TV or taking vacations?
Simple. They understand that they were made to live their lives on mission.
I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard or photos I’ve seen from the food bank. And it’s not because they’re bragging. It’s because serving others brings them joy and purpose. They understand that living on mission — pouring yourself out for others — is part of what we were created for. And when we live out that calling, the result is often joy.
So the question is: What’s stopping you from serving?
If my “retired, but not really retired” in-laws can devote their time and energy to serving complete strangers, what’s stopping you from taking that step?
Maybe your mission won’t look like running a food bank. Maybe it’s mentoring someone, serving at Southland, sharing your faith with a neighbor, or simply making yourself available when God gives you the opportunity. But all of us were created to live for something bigger than ourselves.
APPLICATION
Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start serving. At Southland, there are countless ways to make a difference. Take one step this week and sign up to volunteer.
PRAYER
God, help me live on mission and serve others with joy. Show me where You want me to step in and use my life to point people to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.