SERVING IS A PRIVILEGE

“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” — 1 Peter 4:9-11.

Any opportunity we have to serve others is a privilege.

Imagine you got a call from the staff of the president of the United States. He wants you to serve on the secretary of state cabinet for the remainder of the year. What would your reaction be? Would you think it was a prank call? Would you give it any credence at all? More than likely you would ask him, “Do you have the right person Mr. President? Who told you that I would be a good choice and more importantly why would you think so? There has to be many people who are more qualified and would do a better job than I would. I have no experience in this area. This is a bad decision.”

The person calling you responds, “We found you. It doesn’t matter how we found you. The president himself has chosen you among all other candidates. Yes, we have many talented people that can fill this role but the president wants you. Please prepare yourself for this assignment. Do you accept this invitation?”

How would you respond? Would you prepare yourself as best as you can, even though you have no experience or expertise in this area? Or would you turn down this opportunity that not everyone gets?

God doesn’t lack for people with talent in any area. So many people are more talented, have charisma, and skills than you. But, yet God chose you. He doesn’t care how great you can negotiate with foreign governments. He wants you to serve even though you cannot effectively communicate our government position on matters of state. He looks into your heart. He is giving you the privilege of serving Him. Would you be faithful and give the best that you can do in whatever He asks you to serve?

Lean into what the Lord is stirring in your heart to serve Him this week. Ask for His wisdom to see things through His eyes. Do you need to be praying for someone? Is God putting on your heart to send a note of encouragement? Have you been wanting to help out with cleaning at the church or maybe obeying that step of faith to lead a small group? Or maybe it is the gift of hospitality because the dining room or kitchen table in the home of a believer is one of the most impactful locations for ministry. Or maybe He is asking you to serve in the children’s ministry. Whatever the Lord is preparing your heart for, remember it is a true privilege to serve Him.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you view serving as a privilege? Yes or no and why?
2. What area of service appeals to you in the church? What is stopping you from serving?