When, shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he gave them an example of true service—a manifestation of unselfed love. He reminded them that they should follow his example, saying (John 13:14), "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet." And Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, in commenting on the failure of some to apprehend the true nature of service, writes (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 40), "It is sad that the phrase divine service has come so generally to mean public worship instead of daily deeds."
Jesus' deed should be an inspiration to all, whether the service is in business, home, or church. But some may ask, "Why is serving so essential to the salvation of ourselves and the world?" It is because serving demonstrates true giving. God is the great giver of all good. Then man, in giving, is reflecting God, or is Godlike.
Service should be considered a joy as well as a duty. And it is well to remember that while all may attend church services and lectures, only church members are permitted to serve in church activities. In church membership there are many opportunities to serve: for example, in literature distribution, in ushering, on The Christian Science Monitor advertising information committee or on the circulation information committee, as an attendant in the Reading Room, as Sunday School teacher, superintendent, or secretary, on the executive board, or as Reader.
