do you serve?

The scripture has commissioned us to serve. To be people who don't look to be served, but to lay our lives down for others. How far have we come from this truth? 

If we look at our current "Christian culture," most are looking to be served. We want to find a church that can best serve our family. That will provide us with everything we need. We hope that all we need to do is show up on a Sunday morning and be satisfied. 

If we are only looking to be served, we are missing the fact that WE are ALL gifted by God. Each one of us carries a spiritual gift. But we will never see that gift practiced if we never begin to serve others. 

The thing about our spiritual gifts is they are never self-serving. Our spiritual gifts were given to us by God to edify the CHURCH. 

I have had many conversations with people who want to leave a particular church. They often want to go because what they need is not being fulfilled in the church they attend. In these talks, I often encourage them to be the change they need. If the church is not providing something you are looking for, could it be that you are the gift that the church needs? Again, we will not ever know if we keep leaving and complaining and never start serving. 

And as we serve, the most important thing is that we find the right motivation to why we serve. I have seen many burned out by ministry and church service. See, if we are serving the church for the church, that leads to burnout. But if we are serving in the church for JESUS, that leads to fulfillment and growth. 

Don't ever forget why you started in the first place. I love to serve the church because I know it pleases Jesus. I don't need affirmation and a pat on the back because I am not doing it for people. My heart desires to know that I am pleasing Jesus. And I know if I serve HIS BRIDE, it will please His heart.