What's your motivation for serving our Lord? Do you serve out of love, obligation, obedience or maybe a combination of them all?
Several years ago God gave me a passionate desire to help others find an area of service that takes advantage of the gifts and abilities God gave them. Having experienced times of serving my church family strictly out of what I felt was obligation, I know first hand how defeating it can be to serve "just to serve" and end up in an area outside where God equips me to be. It's true, He equips you for whatever situation He puts you in, but the key is where HE puts you - not where you're serving just because you couldn't say no!
Serving outside your area of giftedness can have all sorts of negative repercussions. At least it did for me - feelings of inadequacy, discouragement, doubt not only in my abilities, but sometimes in God's. Ever been there and done that?!
On the flip side, if you have experienced serving where God leads you and where He equips you, you know how much He blesses you though that. God created each of us exactly how He wants us. He'll lead us exactly where He wants us. Ok, the first part, accepting how He made us, is easier for some than others. Knowing and following exactly where He wants us can be another level of difficulty!
So, how do we figure all this out?
Today's "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers (view at http://utmost.org/ ) really hit home with me (as he often does!). "But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity . . . The secret of a disciple's life is devotion to Jesus Christ."
Jesus Christ wants a personal, intimate relationship with each of us. When we focus on Him and Him alone, following His example, teachings and the leading of the Holy Spirit, serving and glorifying Him becomes a natural outpouring of our love for Him, and in turn humanity.
What has God said to you today?
My prayer for today:
Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart, soul and mind. I want to be a vessel for you to use each and every day. I want to know you as well as I know the back of my hand. Please help me to keep my focus on you and you alone and quiet the roar of the world. Lord, thank you for opportunities to help others find ways to serve you using the gifts and abilities You gave them. You have shown me so many times that sometimes an opportunity will initially make me feel out of my element, but if You want me there, you'll let me know and show me how. I pray that anyone reading finds a tidbit of knowledge, encouragement and love from You and that this writing glorifies You and You alone. It's in your precious name I pray. Amen.
