Saturday, February 9, 2013

To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. 

Ephesians 4:12

When we serve, are we being selfless or self serving?  Are our motives of pure intent or are we looking to gain something from it?  I pose the question because so many churches are in severe demand of help in their various ministries.  And yet so many keep their heads down without the hand going up. Why is that?  Should we all be made to feel guilty if we are not serving?  Is it a true biblical command to serve and if so, where does it lie in priority in God's eyes?  Should we serve where we are gifted or should we challenge ourselves?  I know when I volunteered almost three years ago to help in the children's ministry, I had no idea what to expect. I knew I loved kids so I thought, why not? Teacher, I was not. Well what started out as an aide position soon became a leader position and before long, I was head teacher of the Pre K class of 4-5 year old kids. I grew as an individual and as a woman of God. I fell in love with the most precious little tots who grew up before my eyes and I too, fell in love with their Moms, whom some are genuine friends to me still.  But it was not easy in the beginning. In fact I struggled with it.  I felt inadequate, overwhelmed and there were so many Sundays I wanted to quit. But I knew where there was adversary, there was growth so I did not give up.  I knew I was changing inwardly and I knew I was making an impact with the kids.  And once I prayed myself through it, it became one of the best experiences of my life.  My husband became a permanent fixture as one of my aides and we shared a love for these children that no one could have expected.  When they graduated off to Kindergarten this past fall, I  knew in my heart, I too was going to move on.  Saying goodbye to all my mini friends after spending every Sunday together, sharing and learning about God, was sad but rewarding. For I knew I fulfilled the Lord's will for my life in that area of service.  As I pray now for where the Lord would have me serve next, I pose the same questions to myself? Where do I need to be, want to be? But even more importantly, where would God have me be? So as I seek God in my next chapter of service, I encourage you as well to do what it is He would have you do.  For we know when we are led by God, it will be exceed far beyond what we could ever have imagined. Happy weekend!  

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Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, ... 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Just wanted to share with you all that today marks one year my husband and I began our new ministry, Proclaim the Kingdom of God. (proclaimthekingdom.webs.com) I look forward to see where the Lord leads us next.