A Servant’s Heart

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 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.”

Serving is so important as believers in the body of Christ. As you can see in scripture, this is an instruction to be faithful with the gift the Lord has given you and use it to serve others. God has carefully crafted each one of us with different talents and abilities not for ourselves, or to sit idle but with a purpose to further his kingdom. God longs for us to collaborate with him, and he has equipped you with what you need to fulfill your part. The way we use our gifts is something we will be held accountable for, it’s not a small thing. One day, we will be standing face to face with Jesus and he will ask what we did with what we were given. He will ask how we served others and how in turn, that pushed the gospel forward. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to stand before our Lord empty handed.

Where and who are you serving? How are you using the gifts He has given you? I’m telling you, there is so much joy in being obedient in this way. You may think this is for the Lord, and while that’s true, there’s so much blessing along the way. There is nothing like working with kids and watching them give their heart to Jesus. Or going out to the highways and byways and snatching broken people from the fire, watching Jesus turn their lives around. Praying for people in the altar, encouraging one another. Bringing a meal, offering a ride, volunteering in a ministry of the church. There’s nothing insignificant when it comes to serving. Some of the most precious times I’ve had with the Lord have been while vacuuming the sanctuary. Truly embracing being a keeping of the Lord’s house and finding joy in honoring Him took root in my heart. I felt His presence so near serving in any capacity, and ultimately, I walked away blessed with a greater desire to do more for my Lord. If you aren’t serving anywhere and don’t know where to start, reach out to one of your pastors and let them help you. I promise, it’ll change your life.

Pastor Natalie Snider