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1997-08-21 - Service - Not an Option
God gives each one of us at least one spiritual gift. Some of us are blessed
with several.
Rom 12:6-8 (NRSV) We have gifts that differ according to the grace given
to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7 ministry, in ministering; the
teacher, in teaching; 8 the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity;
the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
Actually, it is sinful to waste his blessings -- sin of omission.
James 4:17 (NIV) Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't
do it, sins.
God expects us to use the gifts and abilities that He has given us.He gives
those gifts for a reason -- for service, to build up the body of Christ.
We are to follow in the footsteps of our Lord. Yes, He is our Lord and
Master, but He leads us as a servant leader. We are to serve our fellow
believers.
Mat 20:25-27 (NRSV) But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that
the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants
over them. 26 It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great
among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you
must be your slave.
And there can be a bonus to serving others, too. This should not be our motive,
but often when we use our gifts and abilities, and serve God and others,
we find that it helps us take the focus off us, off our problems and worries.
We find ourselves feeling better, more fulfilled.
Our idea of being a good Christian doesn't quite square up with God's,
sometimes. We think going to church, praying, etc. is enough. But God expects
us to serve Himself and our fellow man.
ames 1:27 (NRSV) Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the
Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to
keep oneself unstained by the world.
Ministry is not the pastor's job. His job is to equip US to minister.
Eph 4:11-12 (NRSV) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the
saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
If you are not involved in at least one area of service in your church, please
see what is offered. If you aren't sure what your gifts are, ask some of
your closest Christian friends, or a teacher. Or you can take a spiritual
gifts test. But be sure of this: Christ means for our Christianity to be
active!
Dear Father, please show us how You want us to serve You and other
people, and help us to get involved soon, to Your glory. Where there is no
desire for this, give it, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.;
Jan
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