Serving Quote by Timothy Keller
““When you say, “I’ll serve, as long as I’m getting benefits from it,” that’s not actually serving people; it’s serving yourself through them. That’s not circling them, orbiting around them; it’s using them, getting them to orbit around you.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: “The Cost of Discipleship” by Timothy Keller, 2015
Serving others only for personal gain is selfish, not true service; it exploits people rather than honors them.
In simple terms: Selfish motives corrupt genuine service.
Serve without expecting personal benefit.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- leadership
- team management
- customer service
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your actions benefit others, not just yourself?
- What checks can prevent self‑serving motives?
True service requires humility and selflessness.