In a world where men are expected to excel at work, support their families, and contribute to their communities, the pressure to “do it all” can be overwhelming.
It’s easy to feel like there’s no time left for anything else, especially “serving.”
Serving is when we take our faith and put it into practice by using our time, talents, and treasures to bless others practically.
You might say, “I’m too busy to serve,” or “I simply don’t have the time or energy.”
But is that really true?
I’m not saying the 21st-century man is not busy, and I’m certainly not dismissing the many responsibilities we often carry.
But if we’re honest, busyness (at least in North America) is seen as an acceptable excuse that we tend to default to in order to side-step taking on more responsibilities. This socially acceptable justification can often be masking deeper issues in our hearts.
Could it be that we don’t make time to serve, not because of a packed schedule, but rather because of misplaced priorities or fears?
I’m not here to lecture or admonish you—quite the contrary. My desire is to encourage and motivate you towards earnest self-examination.
Could it be that we don’t make time to serve, not because of a packed schedule, but rather because of misplaced priorities or fears?
Let’s explore four key questions to help you reflect on what might be keeping you from serving. This is not about guilt; it’s about uncovering what’s really in your heart and inviting God to redirect your focus and efforts.
1. Am I Believing the Lie That I’m “Too Busy”?
It’s tempting to think that serving God and others is something you’ll get to when life slows down—after the big project is complete, the kids are older, or the finances are better.
But here’s the hard truth: life doesn’t slow down. Waiting for the “perfect time” often means we don’t start at all.
Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added onto you” (Matthew 6:33). When you prioritize God’s kingdom, He promises to take care of the rest.
This isn’t about adding to your already challenging schedule; it’s about aligning your priorities with His. Often, it’s not that we “don’t have the time”; it’s that we value other things above serving. This can even be the case with good things.
Every man should ask himself: Am I truly too busy, or am I using busyness as an excuse?
2. Am I Building God’s Kingdom or My Own?
Men are natural builders; it’s how we’re wired. We build careers, homes, families, reputations, and legacies.
But here’s the challenge: Are you building something that glorifies God or pursuing personal comfort and success?
In Haggai 1:9, God confronts the Israelites, consumed with their own ambitions while neglecting His house. “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why? Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.”
It’s not wrong to work hard or have goals. In fact, Paul does say, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives and especially for their own household has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). He also says, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). So, we ought to work hard, and we should have goals, but when those pursuits overshadow God’s Kingdom, we’re building on sand. We must learn to consider whether our efforts are directed toward something eternal or something temporary.
God calls men to lead by example, serving their families, churches, and communities as Kingdom-minded builders. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate what you’re building and ask God how He wants you to serve.
3. Is My Faith Active or Stagnant?
Faith is far more than an intellectual agreement. True faith shows up in how we live and in our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes. Serving is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate that our faith is alive.
James 2:26 says, “Faith without works is dead.” When we fail to add feet to our faith, we tend to atrophy. Usually, men who are not active within their faith community tend not to grow. They become complacent, and it’s been my experience that the complacent often become the complaining.
Your serving affects not only others but also your own spiritual growth. When we serve, we allow God to strengthen and refresh us in ways we can’t achieve ourselves.
Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Serving out of obedience and worship isn’t draining; it’s renewing and life-giving. How can I grow in patience, kindness, goodness, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23) if I’m never in settings where such growth is nurtured and my heart challenged?
This is not an accusation but rather a precious invitation to step into the struggle with your fellow brothers. God didn’t design you to sit on the sidelines.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God has already prepared good works for you, whether mentoring younger men, helping in your church, serving your community with intention, etc. Are we actively living out our faith, or have we settled into passivity?
4. Do I Believe Small Acts Can Have Eternal Impact?
The older I get, the more I think about legacy. I often wonder what will remain of me once I’m gone.
Let’s face it: As men, we want our efforts to count. We want to make a difference. The devil knows this, too, and often fills our minds with lies that cause us to think we’re not good enough, smart enough, or skilled enough. We let the fear and lie of being insignificant keep us from getting involved.
But in God’s Kingdom, even the acts of service some would deem “small” have eternal value.
With the Lord, it’s never about how able we are; it’s always about how able He is.
God can do great things with whatever we surrender to Him. No matter how small, every act of service matters when it’s done for God’s glory.
Where Will You Start Today?
Serving isn’t meant to burden you but to align your life with His priorities. It’s an act of worship and an expression of trust. Pray and ask God to reveal opportunities to serve, and trust that He will use your obedience in ways you can’t imagine, both to your own benefit and ultimately for His glory.
About
