My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. 1 John 3:18, GNT)

 

I recently had a conversation that lingered with me long after it ended. Someone shared how used she felt by people who claimed to love her. She said, “People say they love you, but they don’t love you for you – they love you for your hands: what you can do for them.”

 

I sat with that thought for a while. It rang painfully true. So often, our worth feels measured by usefulness rather than by who we are. The world reinforces this, urging us to guard ourselves fiercely, to question motives, and to live defensively so that we are not taken advantage of.

 

While boundaries are important, the Holy Spirit gently reframed this thought for me as I reflected on those words: “… they don’t love you for you – they love you for your hands.” Child of God, isn’t that the whole point?

 

Was Jesus himself not a servant? Did he not spend his days meeting needs, healing the broken, feeding the hungry, and laying down his life for others? He became the hands, the extension, the vessel through which the goodness and provision of God became tangible on earth.

 

If Jesus humbled Himself in service so that God would be glorified, who are we to seek recognition for what we do? Our temporary time on earth is not about being seen, but about being faithful and obedient. We are invited to be the hands and feet through which others encounter the Lord, so that his Kingdom may be advanced. God alone must be glorified. And it is an honour to serve him.

 

Yes, it is human to long for acknowledgement, and we should exercise wisdom when generosity is misused. But Scripture reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), and to walk humbly, trusting God to lift us up in his time. (1 Peter 5:6).

 

What a privilege it is to serve in the Kingdom of God – to be his vessel. May we use every opportunity God gives to be his hands and feet, so that hearts are drawn to him.

 

Souls won for Christ matter far more than our own recognition ever could.

 

Prayer: Lord, help me never lose sight of my purpose on earth. Open my eyes to every opportunity to serve, and remove any self-seeking desire from my heart. Help me to love and serve like Jesus, for your glory alone. Amen.