Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 5, 2011
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10
An affluent society can easily succumb to selfish Christianity. An inward focused behavior that feels it is entitled to be served, rather than to serve. It happens at home, with work, at schools, with government, in local communities and sadly even at church. Affluence provides the expedient option of giving money, but not precious time.
Yet the heart of Jesus Christ is selfless in service—doing good for others without expecting anything in return. So, as seasoned followers of our Savior Jesus we have to ask ourselves, “Is my desire to be served or to serve?” “Am I volunteering at church to serve fellow believers and/or do I give my time in ministry to care for those outside the faith?” The example of Jesus is to be a servant of all—even the ultimate sacrifice of death.
“And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:44-45).
Death to our self-centered motivations makes us a candidate in the Lord’s service business. Customers of Christ constantly call in with complaints, needs and fears. Their rent or house payment may be passed due, their electricity may be about to be cut off, their daughter is pregnant out of wedlock or their son is addicted to drugs and alcohol.
You don’t have to be an expert to listen and pray with someone who is confused and hurting. It only takes availability and the ability to care. Faith is a verb or it is not real faith at all. If my behavior does not back my beliefs—I really don’t believe—I only say I believe. However, faith in action looks for opportunities to serve in the name of Jesus.
What is your personal ministry? Is it a ministry of prayer? Has God called you to short or long-term missions? Perhaps you can volunteer one day a week at a nursing home or tutor inner city children afterschool. Do for one, what you would like to do for everyone. Quality service affects one person at a time for God’s glory. He gave us His matchless grace, so that we might magnify His glory in selfless service to the saved and the unsaved.
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Corinthians 9:13).
What is my personal ministry to others on behalf of Jesus Christ?
Related Readings: Joshua 22:5; 1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 116:16; Ephesians 6:6-8
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I am one to admit that I usually turn to self help before calling a professional plumbing service. Luckily, most of my plumbing problems have been limited to clogged drains and minor washer replacements on the faucets. There are plenty of videos and instruction on the net to learn how to do the simple stuff.