In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Once again, we find ourselves in the fall season, a time when many of our outstanding Kairos Outside communities are preparing for upcoming Weekends. Teams have been formed, countless hours of training have been completed, Agape is being received, and final preparations are underway. Spirits are high, and excitement fills the air as we anticipate the blessings that these Weekends will bring.

Yet amid all the activity and enthusiasm, there is one important question we must ask ourselves: Are we serving God’s purpose, or are we serving ourselves?

Too often, in the excitement of serving, we can lose sight of the true purpose behind our efforts. The mission we are called to fulfill can gradually become secondary to our own desires, opinions, or recognition. Augustine wrote that “those who would learn God’s ways do so with humility being first, humility being second, and humility being third.” His words remain as relevant today as ever. In a culture that celebrates self-assertion and personal achievement, it is easy to follow our own path rather than the path of Christ.

As we live in a world that promotes self-help, self-love, and self-belief, the language of “I” and “me” has increasingly become the focus of our actions. Yet Jesus reminds us in Luke 9:23 that anyone who wishes to follow Him “must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” These words call us to live according to His purpose; a purpose rooted in loving and serving others.

Jesus further commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” When we serve through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we set aside our own interests and place the needs of others before our own. True service requires humility, sacrifice, and a heart focused on God’s will rather than personal gain.

Serving in Kairos Outside brings immeasurable joy not only to the Team and the Guests but also to everyone involved in the ministry. However, it is vital that we keep our focus on serving God’s purpose rather than serving ourselves. As we prepare for these Weekends, let us continually examine our hearts and intentions.

How do we maintain the integrity of God’s purpose in our service? We begin with the simple, yet powerful instruction found in Philippians: consider others more important than yourselves. When humility leads our actions, God is honored, lives are transformed, and His purpose remains at the center of all we do.