We must aim at two critical targets in our lives as believers: We need to serve God, and at the same time pursue personal transformation. Both must be in play if we are ever to be effective. Jesus Himself is the prime example of self-sacrificing service to others: “I did not come to be served, but to serve, and give my life as a ransom for many” Matthew 20:28.

We must recognize that serving God always includes serving others. It’s vital to the process of personal transformation. Why is serving others such an indispensable source of change in our character? For at least two reasons. First, extending a hand both benefits them and helps us, since it steers us away from the self-centeredness of our nature. Second, it provides a conduit for the flow of spiritual gifts in our life. Both are tremendous motivators for our own spiritual growth.

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself