Today’s media culture tells us that service has to be picture-perfect and big in order to be effective. We see photos of global workers holding precious babies, hear about philanthropists donating millions of dollars, or dream to end hunger. While these are noble acts of service and love, they are not the only definitions of service. Jesus finds value and worth in small, intentional acts of surrender and help. 

In today’s passage, Jesus lists qualities of the righteous. Notice that each of these acts of service mentioned—meeting physical needs of hunger and thirst, welcoming strangers, donating clothes, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners—is a very humble act. Who’s going to see you visiting someone in prison? What social media post can be made out of inviting strangers into your home? How holy does making a meal for a hungry stranger sound? Jesus reveals a key to His Kingdom in this passage: We glorify Jesus by serving Him in the opportunities He brings along. 

These opportunities may be big and exciting, or they may look very small and mundane. Regardless of how they appear to us, they are all worthy acts of service and love in the eyes of our Savior. This simple truth has the power to transform how we see our daily lives. 

The other night, for instance, I was kept awake texting a friend who needed it. That didn’t feel glamorous, it felt sleepy. But God graciously used me to encourage her. God brought it along and gave me the energy to be faithful. Perhaps your service looks like picking up after messy kids, talking to strangers about Jesus, visiting a relative who’s having a hard time, or simply taking the time out of your busy schedule to listen to your spouse and talk about how his day went. 

The transformative part comes when we realize that these moments of humbly helping and listening are received by God as actions done for Him! Whether you’re serving abroad, taking furlough, or helping your kids with homework, you are glorifying God and serving Him.