To Protect and to Serve

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

– Romans 12:10

To Protect and to Serve are the familiar words that once appeared on law enforcement vehicles across America. According to LAPD Online, the Los Angeles Police Department held a contest back in 1955 to suggest the police academy’s motto. The rules stipulated that entries should “in a few words … express some or all the ideals to which the Los Angeles police service is dedicated. It is possible that the winning motto might someday be adopted as the official motto of the Department." Eight years later, the credo began appearing on LA’s patrol cars next to the city seal.

Service is also integral for Christ-followers. Indeed, we’re called to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet on earth while we wait for his return — or at least until that day when he calls us back home. Until then, God wants us to help prepare his kingdom by making the most of the gifts and talents he’s given us. What’s more, we’re to serve as a beacon amidst the darkness of today’s so-called enlightened society:

“Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

That’s what Jesus tells us through Matthew’s gospel. But what sort of light does he mean?

It’s that spark that empowers every Believer to serve others at home, in the community … and throughout the world. For example, we can shine a light by running a much-needed errand for an elderly neighbor. We can help clean up a neglected school or a community park — or even work in a food pantry or visit the residents of a local assisted living community. The possibilities are endless.

Why is the principle of service so important for Christ-followers?

“In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served,” Jesus explains. “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.”

Our Master — Jesus — focused his ministry on serving those who were helpless to help themselves. So as his modern-day disciples, we should turn our faith in him into acts of service by shining our own light of hope and truth amidst the distractions of a bleak, distorted world.