In Serving Others, We Serve Christ

“He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.  His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ.”  Eph. 4:11-12 (CEB)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed at all the opportunities there are for service to Christ in the church?  Wow, just take a look at our recent nominating committee report! Plenty of places to utilize your gift and talents, right?  Consider for a moment how easy it would be to over-extend oneself.  So many chances to volunteer…choir, usher, teach or serve on a committee. 

So many choices make it easy to be enthused and maybe get in over one’s head.  I have known people who were very involved in their church to the extent it wiped them out.  None of us are able to “do it all.”  Look back at our verse above, God shared the gifts and talents among the people.  We are meant to pull together in our different capacities to serve and encourage each other in our Christian walk. 

In order to not spread ourselves too thin, we must pray about the opportunities to serve while acknowledging the priorities that Jesus wants us to focus on.  It is imperative that we listen and pray for His will in looking for these opportunities.

God has truly blessed us with willing and ready people at our church.  Serving Christ occurs outside of the church walls also.  This makes each of us extensions of His hands and feet.  Why not begin your day with this portion of a prayer from www.abide.com ?

Father God,

Remind me that every act of service can make a big difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbor or volunteering at a local charity, please help me to be a channel of your love and grace to those around me.

I know that serving others isn’t always easy. It requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to put others first. But I also know that when we serve others, we become more like you and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life of purpose.

As I step out into the world today, I pray that you would guide my steps and direct my path. Help me to be a light in the darkness and a source of hope and encouragement to those who need it most.

Thank you, God, for the opportunity to serve others. May my words and actions reflect your love and grace, and may I always seek to bring glory to your name.

In Jesus’ name,

 Amen.