I know…
Why the heck do I want to serve others right?
I’d rather be served!
That’s kind of the mentality most folks find themselves stuck in and our society doesn’t seem to help much.
Opportunities for self-gratification abound and the primary goal of most marketing is to try and sweet talk you into giving in to that little voice that tells you “You deserve it”.
And while yes you may very well indeed deserve whatever “it” is… I guarantee there is someone out there who may even deserve it more.
Why not be the kind of person that looks for ways you can bless others with the things they deserve, rather than bless yourself all the time?
Serving Is What God Calls Us To Do
He wants us to love Him passionately and worship Him enthusiastically… and the numero uno way we do that is by loving others as Jesus did. Otherwise known as serving people.
If you take some time to read bits of the Bible (no you don’t have to read the whole shebang to learn something) you’ll soon see the common thread. Jesus absolutely adored people and went out of his way to serve them, care for them, heal them, and in general make them feel absolutely blessed to be in his presence.
Whether you are serving in your community, serving in your church, or just serving your family at home, God loves it when you do so. You are honoring Him and the sacrifice his Son made for your when you live and act in a Christ-like manner. And there is no manner more Christ-like than servanthood and giving your time and attention to someone in need.
Romans 12: 1-2 Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. (MSG)
As my local pastor has once said, God doesn’t call us to be spectators in life he called us to be contributors. He wants to work inside of us so that He can then work THROUGH us and be a light in the dark to others who may be floundering. He didn’t create us so we could sit around on our blessed assurance and watch someone struggle.
If you are a Christian God says you are a minister to others and He wants you to do as He does… serve and minister to those in need.
Wait- Aren’t Ministers Preachers and Pastors?
Heck no. Or at least not just preachers and pastors.
Ministers are also every day people like you and I, that share a love for God and want to help others by sharing our lives and our gifts. Your special gifts are your own abilities God gives you when you open your heart to him. They demonstrate God’s work in your life and are what YOU can use to be salt and light in the Earth and spread God’s message.
Romans 12: 6-8 If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. (MSG)
Now the question is- how are YOU using the gifts God gave you to contribute to His Kingdom?
No gift or contribution to God is too small and none are insignificant.
Think about that the next time you see someone you can serve, or that might benefit from your grace… even if only from a simple smile and kind word.
