Living a Life of Service

“Be doers of the word and not hearers only…”  James 1:22

Living a life of service. It’s always interesting to learn how people begin their faith journey, and also their ministry. True, we cannot possibly ever earn or work our way into God’s favor and grace, and subsequently Heaven. However, once we begin our Christian faith journey and embrace Jesus as our Lord and Savior, everything changes for the better–eternally. No, it does not guarantee us an easy life. But God’s presence changes us for the better when we invite Him into our daily lives, often moving us into a life of service for Him.

 

When we receive a calling from God, He connects with us and tries to get through to us any way He can. Scripture tells us that in the case of the Apostle Paul, God actually spoke to him about his calling, his mission in the following way:

“Get up now, and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen [of me] and what you will be shown.”

Acts 26:16

 

 Time for Ministry

Some people engage in ministry their entire life. Others delay, answering their calling until later in life. Regardless of the timing, ministry is ministry—it is a calling. It is all about doing good for others, and putting one’s self aside in a life of service for, and witness to, God. As we try to emulate Jesus, we draw closer to God, for His glory, not our own.

 

When we are called to ministry, it is God himself who calls us. Oftentimes, He sends people into our life to lead us to our calling, or He leads us in prayer and to read scripture, which is the Word of God speaking to us. Why scripture? Because:

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching…so that one who belongs to God may be competent,                                     equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

Finding Your Calling

A calling may begin with just a gut feeling, or an idea that stays with us, bringing our calling to fruition. Though we may feel fully unaware of, and unprepared for, our calling, there are so many ways that we can embark on our journey to realize the purpose that God has especially for us. God has a plan for each of us, and will always equip us to do the work He has called us to.

 

“And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”

Ephesians 4:10-12

^“…Our qualification comes from God, who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant…”

2 Corinthians 3:5-7

 

People on a Christian faith journey often naturally WANT to serve God, through helping others, and they can find solace, knowledge, discernment, and instruction in Holy Scripture, The Word of God. This desire to serve God through others is not generally due to a mandated duty to do good to others, but because it becomes the desire of your heart–a way of life—a life of service to God. In essence, we become a new creation when we recognize our imperfections and sins, and choose to reconcile with God, and serve Him with all our being.

“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.”                     

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

                                                          “Do unto others as you would have them do to you…”                                                                    The Golden Rule /// Luke 6:31

 

Forgiveness: Wiping the Slate Clean

When we decide to live a Christian life of service, everything changes for the better, and we strive to keep our words and actions squarely focused on Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Yes, we are all sinners—we all fail to do God’s will at times–but we serve a compassionate, forgiving God. All we need to do is go to Him, and ask for forgiveness.  Then the slate is wiped clean, and we are prepared to serve Him with all our being according to His will.

 

Like any other relationship, we need to stay in communication with God. When, through prayer, we invite Him in to our lives, God stands at the helm, ready to help us and guide us in every imaginable way. He never forces His will upon anyone, though He is always present when we need him and seek Him to ask for His help.

As Christians, we try to keep Jesus in mind as we go through daily life. When we pray for whatever we need, or what’s on our heart for others, we need to pray with confidence, and great anticipation, that God will show up. He will pave the way, comfort and heal us. He will provide for our every need. And, as I said, He will equip all He calls to step up, and out, in faith. But it is a personal choice as to how we answer that calling.

© Copyright 2022   |   Adele M. Gill

THE INSPIRATION CAFE

 

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