So many people think being 'called' by God is just for pastors, missionaries, church leaders and Sunday school teachers. Yet the Bible says everyone of HIS true children is called to serve God by serving others. This is true for me and you. This is true for children, teens, all believers!
We are never saved by serving, but we are saved to do good works and serve others. Paul gives us three insights related to to this subject.
1st ~ The basis for serving others is salvation.
"YOU were called to be FREE. You cannot serve God until you have been set free by Jesus ....set free from the darkness of your own sins.
Until you experience the transforming power of God's grace in your life, you're too enslaved by your own hurts, habits, and hang-ups to think much about anyone else.
Without the freedom of forgiveness, you'll end up serving for all the wrong reasons. Like trying to earn approval of others, trying to run away from pain, trying to kill guilt, trying to impress God. Serving motivated by these will leave you burned out and bitter in the end.
2nd ~ The barrier to serving others is selfishness.
"Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature." The biggest reason we don't have energy to serve others is that we are preoccupied with our own agendas, dreams, and pleasures.
I was hit with this again recently. Every year Dale and I work to decorate for Christmas at our Church. It is one of those things that is not much noticed, unless it goes undone. She went to Mexico on a Missions Trip and I oh so much missed her expertise! I was in charge. To my own shame, I started to get irritated. I prayed about it. The Lord graciously asked me....who are you doing this for? OUCH! Then HE sent me 3 sweet angels of mercy ~ and YES, it did get done. After praying, my heart was again in the right place......how easily I can be selfish!
"If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who give away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the gospel will ever know what it means to really live." Mark 8:35
3rd ~ The motive for serving is love.
"Serve one another in love."
"No matter what I say, What I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love."1 Corinthians 13:3 ~The Message.
God is way more interested in why I serve others than in how well I serve them. He is always looking at my heart, serving willingly and eagerly out of love for Jesus and gratitude for all he's done for me.
Why do I do what I do? It is the love of Jesus that compels me. Some are looking only to do what they get paid for, or for applause of others, to 'feel' good. Yet these are empty. It is the love of God for me that makes me want to love HIM by serving others, even if they notice not.
We are most like Jesus when we serve others. After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus said, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." John 13:14-15
So what now?
~ How can I help?-----Consider your response to this Scripture verse: "Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, 'How can I help?" Romans 15:2
~ Who will I serve this week? Ask God to bring to mind someone you should serve this week, and ask him what you should do for that person. Then do it!
Who will you serve this week? Who will I serve this week? Ask HIM!
We love because HE first loved us! Lynette
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