Serving others is the epitome of work culture. Every day, we wake up with intention to best determine how we can solve the problems that others may be facing.
From the foundation of the world, God thought about how to solve our problems. His Son, Jesus, became the ultimate example of service when he became the sacrificial Lamb.
Yes, Jesus’s death was an act of service to free us from the wages of sin which, according to Romans 6:23, is death.
Jesus is the literal example for how to live life. He even says this in John 13:15-16, which reads:
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (ESV)
Jesus used every talent and gift the Father gave him to change lives for 33 years. As Jesus also lived, God expects the same of us: that we use every gift and talent he gave us in service to others.
The Gifts God Gives Us
What’s amazing about God is that he gives us gifts at the onset of our lives and allows us to choose to serve him and others with them. True service and worship to God is when we give what he has given to us back to him.
I see so many secular music singers that I truly believe are meant to be praise and worship leaders. They’re using their gifts, but sadly, not to the glory and benefit of the kingdom of God. These artists are calling and drawing people to themselves and not to God.
With God, all things are possible. When we use our gifts to draw people to God instead of ourselves, there is a grace that God gives to us.
How to Serve Others and Worship God
I believe there are four main resources that God gives to us to serve others and worship him — love, prayers, time, and money.
Love Others as Service
First Corinthians 13:13 reads:
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (ESV)
Another scripture that points to how important love is to our faith and service to others is found in 1 John 4:20:
If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. (ESV)
The Word truly challenges us to love others. Matthew 5:44 even tells us to love our enemies. We can’t serve God in spirit and truth if we find it difficult to love others.
Prayers as Service
God does not ask us to do anything that cannot be backed up by scripture or exhibited by something Jesus said or did. Our High Priest, Jesus, prays for us and makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). It would only make sense that Jesus would ask us to follow his lead.
James 5:16 tells us to confess our sins and pray for one another. God accepts our prayers for ourselves and others, but I am of the belief that we should prioritize the prayers of others over ourselves.
In Revelation 8, the writer makes the correlation between our prayers and the smoke of incense. Our sincere, heartfelt prayers are welcome in God’s throne room.
The Gift of Time as Service
Time is one of our most precious commodities. We make time for the things that are important to us like our family, friends, and even God.
Ephesians 5:15-16 talks about times. The scripture says:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (ESV)
Every person is precious in the sight of God and God wants them to know it. Being careful to spend time ministering and in prayer for each person you encounter is a way to show God that you are willing to sacrifice time away from what’s important to you to honor what’s important to him.
Money as Service
It is a blessing to be a blessing. God blesses his children with wealth to bless others. We can choose to lock our money away in vaults on Earth if we want, but we can’t take it with us to Heaven. If all of our needs are met, why not give some away to the needy and other causes God has placed on our heart?
God is pleased with our efforts to serve others. Perhaps you are not able to give in every resource mentioned above. But God honors obedience and sacrifice in what you are willing to contribute to make his glory, love, and power known.
Featured Photo by George Milton on Pexels; In-Text Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
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One Response
Thanks for a great post Tacoi. I would also add at least two other things you maybe included in some of your categories: energy and wisdom. Mike…
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