MLK Day 2025
Service: Answering Life's Urgent Question
Service: Answering Life's Urgent Question
Life's most persistent and urgent question is 'what are you doing for others?'. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This powerful quote emerged from Dr. King's 1957 sermon "Conquering Self-Centeredness" delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. During this period, King was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement and was contemplating how to motivate people to move beyond their personal concerns to serve the greater good. The quote reflects his belief that true greatness comes through service, a principle he not only preached but lived throughout his life of advocacy and sacrifice for others.
To put this truth into action, consider starting each day by asking yourself how you can serve others. This might mean mentoring a younger colleague at work, volunteering at a local food bank, or simply taking time to listen to someone who's struggling. Practice random acts of kindness like paying for someone's coffee, offering to help a neighbor with yard work, or using your professional skills to assist a non-profit organization. Make serving others a deliberate part of your daily routine rather than an occasional afterthought.
The Bible says "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45). This verse exemplifies Jesus's entire ministry and purpose, showing that even the divine Son of God prioritized serving others above Himself. It reinforces that service to others is not just a nice addition to our lives but should be central to our purpose and identity as followers of Christ.
I encourage you to take the "Seven Days of Service" challenge. For one week, intentionally find ways to serve others each day, recording your actions and their impact.
1. What unique skills or resources do you have that could benefit others?
2. Which areas of your community have the greatest needs?
3. How can you balance serving others with your existing responsibilities?
4. What's holding you back from serving more?
5. Who in your life models selfless service, and what can you learn from them?
Ready to start your service journey? Schedule a discovery call to explore how coaching can help you develop a personal service strategy that aligns with your values and capabilities.