The divinest ministries

(J.R. Miller, "The Glory of the Commonplace")

"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

We must not make the mistake of thinking that Christian service consists merely in prayers, devotions, and acts of worship.

The divinest ministries of each day are the small services of love which God sends across our way. The half-hour the busy man takes from his business . . .
  to comfort a sorrow,
  to help a discouraged brother to start again,
  to lift up one who has fainted by the way,
  to visit a sick neighbor and minister consolation, or
  to give a young person needed counsel —
is the half-hour of the day that will shine the most brightly when the records of life are unrolled before God.

The secret of abundant helpfulness, is found in the desire to be a help, a blessing, to all whom we meet. We begin to be like Christ only when we begin to wish to be helpful. Where this desire is ever dominant, the life is an unceasing benediction. Rivers of water are pouring out from it continually to bless the world.

"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13