The Gift of Serving Others

The Gift of Serving Others

From Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens by Keys for Kids Ministries

June 5, 2026 · 5 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of serving others and how it can manifest in unexpected ways.

READ: ISAIAH 58:10; MATTHEW 25:31-40; 1 JOHN 4:19 In college, I worked part-time in a children’s ministry program. My tasks ranged from organizing outreach events to teaching elementary schoolers about Jesus. Though some moments were more glamorous than others (ahem, cleaning acrylic paint off a child’s sneakers), everything felt important. This was what serving God feels like. Or so I thought. After that role ended, God called me to take a break from children’s ministry. I prayed about how He wanted me to serve during this season. What God provided wasn’t at all what I was expecting. A single mom was in need of someone to help her daughter get ready for school and drive her there every morning. This wasn’t teaching biblical truths. This wasn’t planning a community event. And it didn’t result in a thank you card. It was simply showing up with God’s love at an hour when most people would rather be sleeping. Including me. After wrestling with God, I agreed. The first few times were tough, especially when it was difficult to find conversation topics. But I kept coming, day after day, until something clicked. We found things in common. She began waking up early so that we could spend…

Topics covered

  • serving others
  • faith
  • community service
  • God's love
  • personal growth

Keywords

  • serving God
  • children's ministry
  • community
  • faith
  • love

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: ISAIAH 58:10, MATTHEW 25:31-40, 1 JOHN 4:19

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