New Year's Theme #5: Serve More Willingly

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

1 Peter 4:10

Two of my five children serve as waiters for a local restaurant. Sometimes they are blessed with really great tips, and at other times they are treated poorly by discontented customers. As their mother, I’m just glad I’m not in the restaurant when they are mistreated because it would not go well. Yet they continue to serve with a good attitude and a smile, even when people are unfairly rude and belligerent. I admire their dedication to serve others as they would want to be served.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the power of God to serve others within our ministries, at our jobs, in our homes and community. Our service given to others (whether they deserve it or not) speaks to our love of God and His grace given to us. Sometimes those we serve are kind and grateful. Yet there are those who are unthankful and unwilling to show grace for what they are given. Even still, we serve not to them but to the Lord.

When our focus is on serving Christ, we will sense His Spirit’s peace and joy, even in the midst of dealing with difficult people. We are strengthened by the knowledge that God has eternal gifts in store for those who serve others. What must we do to serve more willingly this year?

Serve as to God and not to people. Ephesians 6:7.

Serve in the individual spiritual gifts given from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Serve with an attitude of love and grace to those in the household of faith (Galatians 6:9-10).

Serve in the power of Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Serve others so they will give glory to God (Matthew 5:16).