I think we can all agree God wants us to serve others but what does that mean? What does that look like? We see those who serve the homeless, work in the foodbank, minister to those in prison, or pastor a flock and say “those people are serving God”. But God doesn’t put restrictions on service. He doesn’t define certain tasks as ministry. Instead, He calls us to use the gifts He’s given us and rely on His strength to minister “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ”. I think it’s helpful to look at the bigger picture, not just serving by a list of ministries but seeing God in all of His children and showing love to others in our love, respect and, if called, our assistance.
There’s a difference between serving God and serving the church. God’s children are more than just those sitting in pews or, in the era of COVID, watching a screen. And service is more than the actions of the church. While we move forward as Christians, rethinking our methods of reaching out, let us always remember the call we have received to serve and ALL those we are called to serve. I believe we should see service as an act of love, as natural as breathing rather than pre-approved actions designed for accolades. The call is from God, the power comes from God and the Glory belongs to God. “To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:10-11 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
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