Biblical Answer

Balancing Duty to Serve with Personal Values

As we navigate the complexities of life, we often find ourselves torn between our duty to serve and our personal values. On one hand, our duty to serve others is rooted in our faith and our desire to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). On the other hand, our personal values are shaped by our individual experiences, culture, and upbringing, and may sometimes conflict with our duty to serve. So, how do we balance these two competing demands?

The Paradox of Service and Personal Values

The paradox of service and personal values is rooted in the fact that our values are often shaped by our own self-interest, while our duty to serve is rooted in our commitment to others. As the material suggests, our values can be seen as a form of "social convention" or "personal preference" that is shaped by our individual experiences and cultural context. However, when we serve in the way of Jesus, our values are transformed, and we begin to see the world from a different perspective. We begin to see that our dignity and freedom are tied to our willingness to serve others, rather than our own self-interest.

Finding Balance through Biblical Principles

To find balance between our duty to serve and our personal values, we must return to the biblical principles that guide us. As we seek to serve others, we must also seek to understand and honor our own values and experiences. This requires a deep commitment to humility, self-awareness, and empathy. By recognizing that our values are shaped by our own self-interest, we can begin to see the world from a different perspective, and to serve others with a sense of freedom and dignity. As we serve, we must also be willing to let go of our own self-centeredness, and to receive from others in the same way that we give. By doing so, we can find a balance between our duty to serve and our personal values, and live out our faith in a way that is authentic and meaningful.