by Gary Watt and Lance Taylor
Synopsis: Noting the importance of serving one another as individuals, in the home and the church, Lance and Gary explain how the CEI Bookstore team is dedicated to serving our customers.
The words “helping each other” in Truth Publications’ phrase “Taking His hand, helping each other home” speak to our service to others. If these three words stood alone, then many in the world are servants to others. However, when combined in the entire phrase, it becomes a call and reminder to Christians to follow the New Testament examples of godly servants.
Of course, Jesus Himself is our Master example of service to others. He clearly said, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28). Paul referred to himself as a servant—including to Titus (1:1) and to the church in Corinth (1 Cor. 9:19). He implied the same to Timothy (2 Tim. 2:24) by describing a servant of the Lord as “gentle” (v. 24), “patient” (v. 24), and showing “humility” (v. 25). Similar terms were implied by our Lord in Matthew 20:25-27.
Although the first century definition of a servant was more aligned to a slave or bondservant, the modern definition is not dissimilar: i.e., one who serves another. In the context of our Lord’s church, a servant has always been one who does His will by putting the needs of others ahead of his own. It is this very “heart of a servant” that should be developed as early as possible.
The desire to serve others in this manner is not a genetically inherent character trait. Rather it is an intentionally learned and developed behavior. It can and should start at an early age. We often consider the example of Timothy’s early exposure to God’s word from his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Tim. 1:5). Christian parents and grandparents providing homes where the Bible is taught regularly is a solid foundation from which to encourage and prepare youth to be Godly servants. These adult Christians should strive to exemplify service in their daily actions both to each other as well as those outside their families, explaining why they’re doing so and allowing the children to participate as well. Leaders of the Lord’s churches should provide both instruction on this subject as well as create age-appropriate and scriptural opportunities for all to provide service within and without the church. Fellow Christians should exhort one another to service.
In the context of the preceding, we at Truth Publications believe we can and should serve our customers by “helping each other,” in part through our publishing and providing Bible-based materials to help us grow closer to God. From inside our CEI Bookstore, our new phrase “Taking His hand, helping each other home” has a very special meaning. Our team works with customers across the country and around the world every day to help find and provide the best Bible-based materials and resources to fill their needs.
We truly feel like we have joined hands with many good people in our effort to spread the truth of God’s word every day. Our CEI Bookstore staff has some of the most caring and compassionate people you could ever meet. This genuine care and concern for others make our team a working example of “helping each other home.” We are equally interested in providing trustworthy, biblical resources. So, we make every effort to ensure that the materials we provide in the store and online are truly Bible-based and helpful in our spiritual growth. With this Bible-based focus, we are working hard to be found “Taking His hand” through the materials and resources that we provide. We know that you and your congregation need trustworthy resources, so allow CEI Bookstore and Truth Publications, Inc. to be your source for the materials and supplies to help you grow closer to God!
Author Bio: Gary and his wife, Joan, have been married 49 years, and reside in League City, TX (near Houston). Their two sons and daughters-in-law are the parents of their 7 grandchildren. Before his job retirement at the end of 2015, Gary and Joan were members of the Downers Grove church of Christ near Chicago, IL where he served as an elder for 14 years. He is now serving as an elder of the Bacliff church of Christ in Bacliff, TX. He can be reached at gwwatt@gmail.com.
Lance has worked with Mt. Zion church of Christ in Athens, AL for fifteen years and is currently the Director of Operations at Truth Publications, Inc. He and his wife, Moriah, daughter Maicy, and new son Leo, live in Ardmore, AL. He can be reached at lance@truthpublications.com.
