A Cup Of Cold Water

Why the “Small” Gift of Service Matters

Jesus didn’t say, “Whoever preaches the best sermon” or “Whoever builds the biggest church will never lose their reward.” - He said, “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because He is my disciple… he will certainly not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

A cup of cold water. Not spectacular. Not dramatic. Just practical mercy in Jesus’ name. Yet He notices it. He values it. He rewards it. We can easily miss things that are that small. A casserole dropped off. A ride given. A text sent. Chairs and tables set up. Floor swept. Coffee brewed. Greeters' welcoming guests! But God sees every act of kind service.

Scripture tells us that this kind of practical, behind‑the‑scenes care is the gift of service in action! (Romans 12). The Greek word for servant is diakonos—from which we get our word deacon. It describes someone who advances others’ interests, even at the expense of their own, and quietly promotes the welfare of the church body.

You may be wired this way. You see needs before anyone else does. You’re the last to sit down and the first to jump up and help. You don’t need a spotlight, but every once in a while you appreciate knowing your efforts mattered. You like working with your hands, with people, for people. When a task is done and a burden is lifted, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction and you feel genuinely refreshed. If this describes you – it may be the motivational gift of service rising to the surface in your life.

The Bible is full of people like this: Stephen, was chosen to wait on tables so the apostles could focus on prayer and the Word. Martha, bustling about to host Jesus and his disciples. Tabitha (Dorcas), whose simple sewing ministry so impacted widows that God used Peter to raise her from the dead. None of them were spiritual celebrities. They were simply serving the Lord - and heaven wrote their names down.

If this is your gift, setting a few boundaries will help:

• Pray before you say yes. “Lord, is this my assignment, or am I just trying to be the savior?” 
• Pace yourself. Life is a marathon. Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout. It is not unspiritual to rest. 
• Serve in community. Don’t be a lone ranger. Involve your church family and spiritual leaders. 
• Check your motives. Am I serving out of love—or out of guilt, pride, or a need to be seen?

When we serve in the Holy Spirit’s power and out of Christ’s love, amazing things happen. Needs are met before they become a crisis. The church feels like a place of genuine love. And a watching world is stunned by simple - kindness. "No-strings" -

This gift isn’t just for the few blessed with service as their primary motivational gifting – but for all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus. He is our ultimate example – a perfect role model of servant leadership!

I encourage you to offer God a simple, surrendered prayer: “Lord, I offer you my hands and my heart, my time and my energy. If you’ve given me the gift of service, show me how to use it for your glory.” Then commit to one small, practical act in Jesus’ name—this week ... a “cup of cold water” for someone in need. You may feel tired afterward, but if this is your gift, you’ll also feel surprisingly refreshed in Him.

God Bless! Pastor Bob

Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.

  "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  
~ 2 Timothy 2:15