When I take my wife out to dinner, I usually ask for the name of the server who earns the best tips. You see, I know that the one who makes the best tips is the one who serves the best. I want the best server, and I’m willing to tip well for it. I’m not just paying for the food. I’m paying for the atmosphere and the service that goes with it, and as a paying client, I want to be served with excellence. Serving with excellence shows care that makes every moment meaningful for those you serve. Your heart’s effort in serving can turn a simple interaction into a lasting memory of kindness.
Serving with excellence means that you serve with your whole heart, not halfheartedly. It does not take shortcuts, and it does require that you stay until the job is done right. Serving with excellence is not fun, but that is not its objective. It plans ahead to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Excellence is the first to arrive and the last to leave. It has no friends, and herein lies the secret.
Because nobody wants to serve with excellence, but those who do, leave a mark on the one being served. Your heart’s commitment to excellence reflects God’s love in every task you undertake. When you serve with care, you show others they are valued, just as God values them.
Many years ago, when our children were between 10 and 12, we drove from Pennsylvania to Alabama to see Grandma and Grandpa. On our return, just after we said our goodbyes, we stopped in at the drive-through of a Chick-fil-A restaurant and ordered about $30 of food. After pulling up to the window to pay, our debit card was declined. We had no cash, and a severe case of embarrassment. After profusely apologizing, the staff said, “please pull around”. Expecting to get reamed by the store manager, she handed us EVERYTHING we ordered, bag after bag, drink after drink. She then said, “Don’t worry about it, be blessed and have a great trip!” I emphatically responded, “Thank you, so much!” To which she replied, “My pleasure”. That act of kindness showed us God’s love in a way that stays with us always.
We were absolutely blown away, and from that day on, we have been die-hard Chick-fil-A patrons. It is doubtful that the manager of that Chick-fil-A store in Oxford, Alabama, graduated from a Christian college or was credentialed with a minister’s license, but she sure had an impact on our lives. Her service with excellence turned a moment of shame into one of joy, showing how love in action can change hearts.
Serving with a Heart of Care
Serving with excellence means putting your heart into every action, offering care that lifts others up even in tough moments. Your dedication to serving well can show God’s love to someone who feels overlooked or hurting.
Qualifications for Ministry
I love that one does not have to have a master’s degree, or even a formal education to greatly impact the lives of others. I’m not against formal education, I just love that it’s not required in order to participate in advancing the Kingdom of God. It does not matter if you can read and write, or are mentally handicapped for that matter. There is an equal playing field when it comes to excellence. Everyone from all walks of life can serve with excellence. Your heart can touch others through simple acts of care, no matter who you are or what your background is.
The Ministry of Serving With Excellence
Servants have such an incredible ministry opportunity. They have the power to make an enormous impact in the lives of those for whom they serve, by simply going above and beyond. In Colossians 3, Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). He addresses the attitude of the servant. Your heart’s full effort in serving opens the door for God to touch those you serve with His love. Again, When you serve with excellence, you gain the attention of the Holy Spirit who will then use what you have served in love, to speak to the heart of the one being served.
Closing Thoughts
You have no idea how the Holy Spirit will minister to their heart, and that’s OK. That’s His role. Your job is “work heartily, as for the Lord“, doing so with love and passion. Trust Him to minister to them. In fact, I encourage you to entrust them to Him, as you serve with excellence. Serving with your whole heart leaves a lasting mark, reflecting God’s love in ways that change lives. Start today by serving someone with excellence, letting your actions show the care God has for them.