Over the years I’ve spoken with some people who have told me something like this:

“I just don’t see God working in my life.”

Because of that, they stop looking, and they stop expecting him to be working in their lives. So let me offer some advice:

When you do the work of God, you see the work of God.

I’m not saying that God won’t show up wherever or whenever he pleases. But what I’ve found is that when you go out of your way to serve and help other people, you start to see God’s presence and work in your life in more powerful ways.

The apostle Paul gives some advice in Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” He then goes on to encourage his readers to be like Jesus in humble self-sacrifice.

When that happens—through helping others in practical ways, volunteering, going out of your way to feed, love or encourage someone—not only do you see God’s work more clearly, but your days feel more full of purpose.

And that’s huge: Purpose. Especially in a time when a lot of people aren’t sure if they have any.

So I’d like to ask you a favour. Yes you.

On Christmas Eve I’ll be talking about serving and helping others. And I’d love for you to answer this next question for me. I’m going to use some of what you send in as a part of my message:

How has serving or helping others given you a stronger sense of purpose?

When you do the work of God, you see the work of God. So take a moment and answer that question to help me help others. It only needs to be a sentence.

How has serving or helping others given you a stronger sense of purpose?

By Matthew Ruttan

• Christmas Eve is coming up at Westminster Church. Click here to learn more about our 5:30pm Super Family-Friendly Service, and here to learn about our 7pm Traditional Candlelit Service.