Last week while I was sitting with a friend in California I had a mild epiphany. I began to understand that when it comes to service, I (and most people I know) focus on one point. For instance, if I help the widow down the street with her house, I met her need. If I send money to an orphan I help him eat. But there is much more there.

Some might think linearly. Their service may connect two distinct people (i.e. when you pray for someone you connect that person’s need with God who wants to meet it). But, even that is not where it starts.

I was challenged to think triangularly. When I serve, it isn’t just about the person I give to. And, it is not simply about their need and God’s desire to heal or bless them. There is a third party that benefits from this type of offering. I do. Whenever I give, serve, pray, love, or bless others, I am rewarded in return.

Seeing the triangle of benefit really helped me understand my need to serve. Yes, I want to see others blessed. And, yes, I want God’s goals to be achieved. But, I also want to grow in my faith, experience God’s best, and understand His faithfulness…and all that happens when I serve.

Philemon v. 6 actually speaks to this. “I pray you will be active in sharing your faith so you will have a better understanding of every good thing you have in Christ Jesus.”

So, get out there and serve faithfully because you know that the triangle is at work.