Let’s Serve!

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1Peter 4:10

The church cannot afford to have anybody sitting on their hands doing nothing but coming to church. The need is too great! There are too many hurting people for just a few to accomplish God’s plan to encourage, serve, teach, edify, listen to, sponsor, pray for, win back, advise, feed, counsel, mentor, evangelize, disciple, visit, coach, text, hug, educate, and everything in between.

I have observed three main reasons for the ministry manpower issue. The first is insecurity: people think they do not know enough or have enough experience to help. This would be a valid excuse if we did not serve a God Who empowers us and promises we can do all things through His strength. (Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7) It is time to call insecurity the liar it is and step out to see how true God’s promises are (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The second reason the unemployment line in the church is so long is a matter of priority. “I would love to help, but I do not have the time,” we say. Everyone gets the same daily allotment of time. Few of us have all twenty-four hours booked with obligations every single day. Rest and recreation are important, but most of us have an excess of “me time.” We have become so accustomed to having it that the idea of shaving a couple of hours off to serve someone else seems like major surgery. Once we step out and see the way God is using us to make a difference, we have joy as we realize we do not miss the time as much as we thought we would.

Third, we think serving is an option. As followers of Christ whom God infused with at least one spiritual gift each, how can we fall for the options lie? We are not our own, we were bought with a price; therefore we all have an assignment. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). No exceptions or excuses. What that looks like will be unique to each of us, but serve we must. Besides, our coming to Christ was the result of someone’s decision to be obedient to serve. It is time to pay it forward.

Now, what is God calling YOU to do about the mountain of needs we face in this world, My Friend? Let’s get out there and serve!