The Act of Serving

Romans 7:6 - But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. 

Ephesians 2:8–10 - God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

When you serve you are most like Jesus.

Serve God.  No matter what you do, do it for Him.  Your aim is to please Him.  It won't matter if your serving goes as you planned, or if anyone says thank you, or even if you feel that you made a difference when the day was over. As long as you offered yourself in service to Him, He is pleased and you have done what He asked.

Serve others.  Rather than consider your own needs, think of the needs of others. Rather than meet your own needs, meet the needs of others. 

Serving is an essential part of your spiritual formation.  Knowledge alone will not mature your faith. Prayer alone will not mature your faith.  You need to serve.  Your faith in action, the activity of God's work through you, is tangible, visible evidence of that which is unseen.  It demonstrates a selflessness which is required for growth. Serving is learning to love.  And once you start serving,  giving love to others, you will find your heart swelling with the love of God and people. 

Serving is a way of life for followers of Jesus.  As you get started, here are some steps to take:

First, consider your gifts, talents, and passions.  What do you do well?  What do you enjoy doing?  Sure, there are times God moves us out of our comfort zone and asks us to do things we are not good at nor take pleasure in.  But, for the most part, God has designed you to experience joy and fulfillment when you serve. Second, find a ministry in the church.  When you think of your brothers and sisters in Christ, how do want to serve them?  Do they have a need that you are equipped to meet?  Would you enjoy ministering to the children in your church?  Would you like to be the one who greets everyone with a smile at a weekend service?  Could you cook for a family who needs some meals?  Maybe help someone with the recovery process from an addiction or a divorce?  The possibilities are endless, but no doubt, you have something to offer your church family and there are people who need you. Third, find a mission outside the church. God does not intend for you to spend all your time inside the church walls. He wants you to reach out and serve those who don't know Him.  He plans for you to make a difference in the world.  So ask yourself: What do you care about?  What need in the world breaks your heart or what injustice raises up a holy anger within you?  The moment that your heart picks up speed and your eyes spark, therein lies your mission.  You and God both know it. 

So. Lift up your eyes from the busy rushing of your feet and see the eyes of another walking by.  Kneel down. Throw a towel over your forearm.   Wash some feet. You are the light of the world. You are the salt of the earth. You are the hands and feet of Jesus.  Serve well.

More: Matthew 5:13-16