1 Corinthians 9:19 KJV

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

If you walk into any successful place of business you will probably be greeted with the words, “How Can I Help You?” They understand they are employed with that company. They understand they’ve been entrusted to do a job. Much of the success of that company will be based on the way they treat their customers. Poor customer service, even with a good product, will destroy a good company.

Now, let’s bring this over into the life of the believer. We are laborers together with God (1 Corinthians 3:9). Our job is that of building the kingdom. We not only have a good product, we have the best product on the market today! We have salvation in and through the Lord Jesus Christ himself! 

Now, while we don’t compromise the gospel, it absolutely matters how you present it! In 1 Corinthians 9:19 above, Paul said, “… I made myself a servant unto all, that I might gain.” The word “serve” means “to be occupied in the service of another, to be devoted.” People need to see Jesus in our lives, not only through our words and actions, but our genuine concern for their salvation! Paul said he made himself a servant that he might gain the more. Jesus said he came to seek and save those that were lost (Luke 19:10). 

While I write this article, I cannot help but think about those who’ve impacted my life. They did not walk up to me daily and say, “How can I help you?” But their actions were always with concern for my salvation and walk with God. They never took away from me, but always added to me. What are you adding to others today? What is your approach to those who are backslidden or lost? Do you approach your relationship with others with the thought in mind of “How can I help you?” 

I constantly hear and see so many Christians, and even preachers, harping and railing on how bad things are and how terrible people are. While there may be some truth in that, that is not how you bring about change! You bring about change by introducing them to the one who has radically changed your life forever! Your approach is not how messed up they are and how it only gets worse from here, your approach is that of a servant. I have found that when people know that you are truly for them and want to add to them, their hearts are always more open to receive what you have to offer.

Why not start today approaching all of your relationships with the thought of “How can I help you?” In a world full of entitlement and selfishness, let’s be like Jesus and Paul and add to people. This is how you build the kingdom!