The Bible reveals profound truths about what God loves and what He hates. For example, He declares seven things that are utter abominations to Him, one of which is “feet that are swift in running to evil” (Proverbs 6:16–19). If He hates these, then we can understand that He loves their opposites. What would those be?
Feet that are slow in running to evil would still be moving toward evil, and a slow fall to sin is still sin. Rather, the opposite would be feet that are swift in running to good. Jesus Christ gave us many examples of doing good—and all of them, in one way or another, come back to service. We should always be on the lookout for opportunities to practice servant leadership, even if grasping these opportunities can be daunting.
Years ago, I found a unique opportunity to serve some shut-ins living in my Church area. In the process of this, one began writing me letters every month or so—I’d had to mail some things to this elderly lady, and she simply used my return address. It started off as questions about me, the local congregation, events going on in the world, and so on. Through the course of our dialogue, she offered me an experienced perspective and some much-needed encouragement.
A couple of weeks before the Spring Holy Days last year, I received a letter from this lady, but I procrastinated on responding. I had my excuses, but how long would it have taken to sit down and write a letter? The weeks went by, and on the first Day of Unleavened Bread, I learned that this lady had died a week before. It hit me like a slap in the face. This elder sister in Christ had been homebound and alone—and my sitting down to write that letter could have served and encouraged her in the last days of her race. But my feet had not been swift to do good.
We read, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). What was His example? “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42–45).
I once heard it said, “If you come to the Feast expecting a feast, you will go home disappointed. But if you come to the Feast to give a feast, you will have the best Feast of your life.” No matter who you are, you can find a way to serve at the Feast this year. Kids, you can ask your parents for advice on ways to serve. Perhaps you can volunteer to help with door greeting or at the Family Day event. Parents, if your child is looking for a way to serve others, encourage and nurture that desire. Your encouragement is also service.
If you struggle with physical activity, most Feast sites send cards to shut-ins who would love to hear from you. That, too, is service. Maybe the business office needs help. Maybe you can share a meal with somebody who has come alone to the Feast. You may be surprised at what you’ll learn and the friendship it can bring.
Regardless of your situation, find a way to serve. Service can be as complex as hosting an activity for your local congregation, or as simple as sending letters of encouragement to someone who needs them. How swift are your feet?