When service is unto people, the bones can grow weary, the…
““When service is unto people, the bones can grow weary, the frustration deep. Because, agrees Dorothy Sayers, "whenever man is made the center of things, he becomes the storm-center of trouble. The moment you think of serving people, you begin to have a notion that other people owe you something for your pains...You will begin to bargain for reward, to angle for applause... When the eyes of the heart focus on God, and the hands on always washing the feet of Jesus alone - the bones, they sing joy and the work returns to it's purest state: eucharisteo. The work becomes worship, a liturgy of thankfulness. "The work we do is only our love for Jesus in action" writes Mother Theresa. "If we pray the work...if we do it to Jesus, if we do it for Jesus, if we do it with Jesus... that's what makes us content." Deep joy is always in the touching of Christ - in whatever skin He comes to us in. Page 194””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Serving others for selfish reasons leads to frustration; true service becomes worship when focused on divine love.
In simple terms: Selfish service causes weariness; worshipful service brings joy.
Key Takeaway
Serve with humility, seek divine purpose.
Themes
service
humility
spirituality
joy
worship
Mood
reflective
hopeful
spiritual
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- caregiving
- church ministry
- personal reflection
- daily work
Key Concepts
selfishness
divine purpose
gratitude
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives drive your service?
- How can you shift focus to divine love?
A Different Perspective
If motives stay self‑centered, joy remains elusive.