This Sunday just gone, Pete stirred us about how we can fight the negative temptations around power can be used in humility to serve.
My employer is quite progressive in its people policies.
Our director of HR is listed in HR magazines most influential practitioners.
One policy I particularly like is the offer of paid leave each year to work in the community, to give something back.
This year found my team clearing the undergrowth at St Mary's Church, Leyton. We came out dirty, sore and smiling.
The philosophy behind the policy is that:
- communities are served well, meaning my organisation is using its power ethically
- teams can learn about each other in new situations, so their experience is good for team building and morale
- individuals can develop new skills and confidence by stepping outside their typical working day
Colleagues of mine coach school children on numeracy, English, CV writing, etc. and in doing so they broaden their abilities.
For me, whether it's been serving on the PTA , on a local children's music club committee (I recommend Questors Young Musicians Club), visiting an old people's home, leading the Redeemer setup team or serving on the Redeemer welcome team, over the years I've found opportunities outside my daily routine to stretch new muscles, make new friends, and in so doing both I and others have benefited.
Jesus came to serve, he said. We can follow his example.
So for your own good and for the good of others, I recommend that you find some way of serving. You may get your hands dirty, but you'll also have more able hands as a result.
Serving develops new skills.
Serving helps make friends.
Serving builds self-confidence.
Serving keeps us humble.
Serving strengthens ties to our community.
Serving builds character.
Serving follows the example of Christ.
If you'd like to serve on a team at Redeemer, you'll be most welcome (just email), but that's not what this blog is about.
