Service.
We all know what it means. Webster defines it as “the action of helping or doing work for someone.”
But throw the word “Christian” in front of it and the definition takes on more meaning – and responsibility.
If we are true followers of Jesus Christ, and I am, we are instructed to serve others. Christlike service grows out of genuine love for the Savior and of love and concern for those whom He gives us opportunities and direction to help.
As 1 Peter 4:10 reads: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
And Romans 12:9-13: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Amen.
Saturday is my birthday. I don’t tell you that because I want oodles of birthday wishes. I’ll be 61, so it’s not a “special” birthday by any means.
I mention it because it will conclude a year of self-reflection as I’ve dug deep and examined my faith in God and my service to Him and others. I’ve been a born-again Christian since I was 20 years old, but since last June 4 I’ve read and reflected targeting biblical faith and service and have used my daily devotions and a lot of my prayer time to talk to God about it. And, I’ve tried to listen to what He has been telling me.
I love that verse mentioned above, when Peter tells us to use whatever gift we have to serve others as a faithful steward of the Lord.
Among my God-given gifts are the ability to write, speak and communicate in general and lead honestly and with true care and concern for whom that affects, whether that be you as a subscriber, our community in general, those I work with and especially my family. And I try to serve using my Christian values and God-given gifts in whatever capacity I have, knowing that in all and through all I am trying to follow Christ and His example.
After all, he is in charge and in control no matter what is in front of me, good or not so good, and by faith I follow him through it all to the best of my ability.
It’s when I stumble over myself and get in God’s way that troubles come, and in that essential respect I’ve tried to follow and not lead.
After all, who am I to try to get in God’s way? Without Him in control of my life, I am no one.
And, of course, I fail. But God always is there to pick up the pieces and move me forward.
In Luke 22:27, Jesus says, “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”
One of the purposes of service is so God can reach others through our hands. In 2 Corinthians 9:12-13, the Bible says the service we provide not only meets needs but expresses thanks to God and leads others to praise God. The Bible also says that service builds up the body of Christ.
As Jesus tells us through the parable of the Good Samaritan as found in Luke 10. “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
The Bible says Jesus spent most of his ministry providing service to others. He performed numerous miracles, such as healing the sick and the blind, which met physical needs, but he also provided service in meeting emotional needs.
Some people mistakenly believe that the Bible does not require those who follow God to provide service to others. Their reasoning is that they are saved by grace alone, so they are therefore under no obligation to provide service for others. While it is true that people are saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8), the Bible is clear that we are also to serve.
James 2:26: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
So, serving God and serving others is one of the most important principles of the Christian faith as believers are expected to help the church with a joyful spirit. “Love one another.” “Care for one another.” “Pray for one another.” “Encourage one another.” “Help one another.” “Counsel one another.” “Support one another.” On and on Scripture tells us of our relationship to God and others through service.
It's been a time of prayer and reflection for me as God has taken me through the past year. And, I’m just getting started as He continues to work in me and through me. I hope and pray I serve you well as I serve Him and go about life with that true servant heart.
As always, thanks for reading.
Comment
Comments