Lesson 12: Service

I see many Christians who profess Christ but are not eager to serve Him. Look at it this way: Would you not do anything for someone you love? You love them so much that you would ask, “What can I do for you?” If you love God truly, serving in any capacity should be natural to you. God has given each of us talents and gifts (gifts of the Holy Spirit) so that we can use them for His glory.

It’s simple: Do you have a lovely voice? Then serve God with your voice. Are you a talented artist or graphic designer? Then create art with different messages for God. Join your church’s design team. Use the gifts God has given you to profit His Kingdom.

Jesus led by example when He was on earth. He served. He served the people, washed His disciples’ feet, and more. He told a parable of three servants who were given talents to profit, but one failed to do so. Read the story in Matthew 25:14-30. The essence of our creation is to worship and serve God. God rewards diligence and service.

I started serving God at age twelve. Though I wasn’t a mature Christian, with the little knowledge I had, I served God joyfully. I couldn’t sit still. I served in the drama, choir, ushering, Bible study, children’s ministry, cleaning, and decorating departments. Having served God for many years now, I have no regrets. It has matured me, and I have witnessed God’s movement in my life. Those years of service are priceless. I remember while in college, when others were at home during summer break, I remained with some friends at school. We took trips to remote areas within the states where we organized crusades and evangelism outreaches.

Friend, use that energy and skill for God. He owns it; He wants it and wants to use it to take you to greater heights. Why should God give you more if you don’t use what you already have? The more you use your gifts, the better they will shine. As I grew in service, my core gifts emerged. It is very important to understand that using your gifts and talents reveals your purpose. Use your gifts for His glory.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If you are not serving God, you are serving something or someone else (Matthew 6:24).

Many great people of the Bible served God with their all. God used their gifts to turn their generation around for good. You have something in you that God wants to use for His pre-planned purpose; don’t miss it. More so, everyone will be required to give an account of how they used these gifts and the marked result is either pass or fail (1 Samuel 12:24).

Obstacles to serving God:

• Laziness and excuses: Some are just lazy, while others give excuses. They say that are either too busy or don’t know how. God will not give you a gift that you can’t use. Prioritize and put God first in all you do.
• Fear: Fear is normal, but it is not of God. Speak against fear and take action (2 Timothy 1:7).
• Self-doubt: I have been there too, but trust God and take a small step of faith. That’s all. One step, then one step leads to another and another, and soon history is made.
• Current situation: Don’t let your situation weigh you down from serving God. In service, God moves on your behalf. Reading through the Scriptures will confirm that most of those who served God did it while trusting God for their breakthrough.
• Deficiency and limitations: No one is perfect. When you serve God, you will see Him turn your deficiency into strength. He knows about your limitations; He knows what you can and cannot do (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Where can I serve?

• Your home church
• Non-profit and charity organizations
• In the community and your neighborhood
• Basically, everywhere you find yourself

What are the benefits of serving God? They are unlimited (Hebrews 6:10). Enormous blessings and rewards await every service to God. Exodus 23:25 says, “But you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst.”

Video:

Lesson application:

Identify two areas of strength and join a department in your home church. You can also volunteer at any Christian based non-profit organization and use your skills to serve. If you will like to serve with our ministry, contact us for more details.