Go Beyond

The Apostle Paul said, “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4). This is my third installment of practical ideas for personal growth in the New Year. The following nine ideas are designed to strengthen your hands by serving others. Put one or more of these ideas into practice this year or come up with creative ideas of your own. But, whatever you do, be intentional about looking out for the interests of others this year.

Participate in a local service initiative through your church. | Serving others is not a spectator sport. Get in the game by volunteering to serve others through your church. Involve your kids and make some special memories by serving others together.

Prepare a meal for someone who is ill. | If you have ever been hospitalized, you know how good you felt when someone took the time to encourage you. One way you can encourage someone who is hospitalized is by preparing a meal for them when they return home. This will be one less thing for them to worry about. Be sure to pay special attention to any dietary restrictions.

Assemble a “Candy for Cops” basket. | Get your kids to help you shop for candy bars, cookies, and snacks. Arrange them in a gift basket and deliver them to your local police or fire-station with a note of appreciation to those who keep our community safe.

Volunteer at a local assistance ministry. | Volunteers are essential to the smooth operation of local assistance ministries. Call up a local assistance ministry and offer to volunteer in their food pantry, clothes closet, or with whatever need they have.

Go shopping for a homeless person. | Make some time to do more than give a few coins to the guys holding the cardboard signs on street corners. If there is a store nearby, offer to purchase a few essentials for them. My friend Jon Davis offers helpful advice on how to do this. Read his post entitled Silent, Wet, Dirty, Hungry Night.

Babysit for a single parent. | Single parents often do not have the extra resources for a night of fun and relaxation. Purchase a movie ticket or a gift card to a local restaurant for a single parent and then offer to babysit their kids while they enjoy a night out.

Mow the lawn of a friend or neighbor who is out of town. | Offer to mow the lawn of a friend or neighbor who will be out of town on business or vacation for an extended period. This will take some pressure off of them and keep the neighbors happy.

Assemble a new parent’s kit for the arrival of a newborn. | Assemble a basket of items for a newborn boy or girl and deliver it to the labor unit of a local hospital. Ask them to give the basket to an unwed mother or a family in need. Be sure to include a copy of the Bible and a devotional book on children or parenting.

Adopt a “grandfriend.” | Adopt an elderly adult in your neighborhood or local nursing home. Visit them on a regular basis, remember them on their birthday, offer to read to them, teach them a new card game or how to use a computer. Your presence and time will be a huge blessing to them.

• • • • •

Note | Please take a moment to read all of the ideas for personal growth. This series of posts are filed under the Personal Growth category in the sidebar. Just click and read.