Now that we have heard the call of Jesus and received the free salvation that He has won for us, the only fitting response we can give is to be living sacrifices serving Him with all we are and have. To help us serve well, consider these six points we need to know.
- SERVE IN GOD’S STRENGTH
“So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6) “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:6)
The fact is, true servanthood is Spirit-led and Spirit-empowered! We serve in and by the Spirit of God. In all our serving we are to be depending upon the Lord, keeping instep with the Spirit and walking according to His will.
- SERVE RELYING ON GOD’S WISDOM AND GUIDANCE
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)
So much serving today is being done according to our own cleverness. But it is critical we learn to not be wise in our own eyes because only God knows what we need.
- SERVE ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD
“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God…, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:6) “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
One of the best ways to be a better and more fruitful servant is to be a man or woman of the Word! People can tell whether you are speaking the truths of God or your own ideas and popular opinions. Do you know more about your job, your sporting heroes or movie stars than you do your Bible? Jesus calls us to read from His Word every day and let it shape us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we will be equipped to serve hurting people all around us.
- SERVE PRAYERFULLY
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1) “…pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
God uses men or women of prayer. It takes a close relationship with Him to hear His call. Our lives must be marked by prayer. A prayer life that is constantly asking for help, wisdom, healing, discernment and guidance.
- SERVE BY KEEPING THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE.
“There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:25) “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Nothing kills relationships and Churches more than division. We are called to be peacemakers. If we are having problems with our pastor, or leader, or fellow member, we are to go to them directly and work it out. There will always be friction in communities, but we are called to work for unity.
- SERVE WITHOUT GUMBLING OR COMPLAINING
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life— in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour for nothing.” (Philippians 4:14-16)
It is sad and discouraging to hear of people complaining in a church. Murmuring and complaining is such a waste of time. It doesn’t build up the body or solve anything. If you can’t serve without complaining, then please don’t serve. Instead go to your prayer closet and ask God to do a transforming work in your heart.