You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

~ Galatians 5:13 ~

If love is who we are, what does it look like when we put that love to work? Interesting question.

There is a special kind of strength that emerges when God’s people connect, bond, and pray... they serve together, which is the language of love. It’s a strength that the world cannot produce or imitate. This strength of unity is created—not by power, preference, or personality—but by love in action.

Service occurs when freedom intersects with humility, and grace aligns with responsibility and accountability to the greater good. Service is the mature expression or language of love.

And in a season like ours—30 days in a hospital room with Sherrie as we fight for healing, dignity, and hope—I’ve seen firsthand that service is often the difference between despair and courage, between collapse and community. The Body of Christ shows up. People carry burdens. People pray. People care. And when they do… Christ becomes visible, reflecting God’s Glory through His Armor.

Service is not something the church does. It is who the church, the Lord’s Army, is!

During my Air Force days, we trained constantly. But one training moment stands out above the rest. A young airman twisted his ankle badly on rough terrain at Camp Bulis, TX. Before anyone was told what to do—before rank, responsibilities, or roles even entered the picture—four airmen moved as one, hoisted him up, and carried him through the exercise. There was no hesitation. No complaining. No questioning whose job it was. Just true unity expressed through pure service.

Our instructor gathered us afterward and said,“If you ever want to know what strength looks like, don’t look for the toughest soldier. Look for the ones who serve together.”

That day taught me this unshakable truth connected to God’s amazing Ways. Strength isn’t the absence of weakness; it’s the willingness to carry someone else’s weight. And that is the heart of Christ’s Church, a movement that puts love to work. Won’t you join the movement? 

The greatest movement of all time can be understood through three key aspects. Think of them like prayer: Inward, Upward, Outward movement, talked about in our last devotion:

1. Inward: Let God Form the Servant Heart

Service begins well before our hands start working or the tasks are completed. It begins within us—in the space where God shapes our motives and restores our pride through the teachings of Jesus and the inspiring message of the Gospel, which promises to be the key to a life full of meaning. 

True service flows from a heart captured by Christ. It is not performance. It is not self-promoting. It is not religious virtue signaling. It’s love—shaped by God and surrendered to His will through the Grace and truth of Jesus Christ (John 14:6-7).

This kind of inward formation kills comparison, competition, entitlement, and the need to be seen. It frees us to serve humbly in love with gratitude that surpasses all understanding.

2. Upward: Serving as Worship to God

Every act of service—seen or unseen—is an offering to God.

When Jesus said, “I am among you as one who serves,” He was teaching that service is not just a task list—it’s an act of worship. It’s an attitude of ‘I get to,’ rather than ‘I got to,’ love and help in everything I think, say, and do. 

Serving others confronts pride, kills self-centeredness, and declares that Christ—not comfort—is Lord.

This is precisely where service aligns with the Armor of God: The Belt of Truth upholds your identity and purpose through the mind of Christ, the Helmet of Salvation. The Breastplate of Righteousness protects your desires and motives. The Shield of Faith enables you to trust God amid messy, costly work, while the Sword of the Spirit is used skillfully as you stand firm with the Shoes of Readiness, always prepared to serve. Essentially, service is worship in work boots.

3. Outward: Serving Together as a Witness to the World

When the Church serves together, unity becomes visible. Walls fall. Relationships strengthen. Needs get met in real time. And Christ becomes unmistakably present.

For the last 30 days in the hospital, Sherrie and I experienced this personally—your prayers, your messages, your love, your support. That’s the Body of Christ serving together. That’s unity made visible. That’s spiritual strength and love in action.

Now, keeping these three aspects close to heart, here are some heartfelt and practical ways we can serve together: connect deeply, strengthen bonds, and pray with intention. Serve in teams rather than alone, supporting each other as you meet community needs side by side. Carry burdens—whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual—and become a safe harbor for someone’s heart story.

Unity is strengthened every time we serve shoulder to shoulder. Please understand service is not a task to complete; it is an identity to embody. It strengthens everything. It pushes back darkness. It reveals Christ. And it forms a bond that the enemy cannot break.

Therefore, together, let’s ask, pray: “Lord, where can my hands, my words, and my presence reflect Your love today?” Because when the church serves together, Christ shows up—in homes, hospitals, workplaces, and hearts. Unity is strengthened. Love is revealed. And the Kingdom advances.

Thus…Stay Strong. Shine Bright. Suit up!

~ Pastor Drake