Make Me a Servant

Hello, ladies! It is now May, and this month we will be asking God to “pierce our hearts to serve.” The main Scripture we want to keep in mind is 1 Peter 4:10—“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” We all have people in our lives who have done things for us (and continue to do so). These individuals may have taught us a skill that we use in life, such as how to read. You may be thinking of a parent who has raised you alone, and provided for all your needs. Or, perhaps, there is one person who deeply influenced you in your decision to become a Christian. Just think, what if that person had never taken the time to tell you about God’s love and offer of salvation? What if they had never “ministered” to your wants and needs? Let’s take a deeper look into serving.

Why Should We Serve?

Jesus served. He healed the physically sick (Matthew 12:15, 14:14; Mark 1:34), He was a friend to the spiritually sick (Matt. 9:10-12), and He fed the hungry (Matt. 14:13-21). But He was truly the ultimate Servant when He gave His life on the cross (Acts 3:13; Luke 23:46). There is a devotional song that states, “Make me a servant, Lord, make me like You; for You are a Servant, make me one, too. Make me a servant; do what You must do, to make me a servant; make me like You.” Just knowing our perfect Example was a true servant is enough reason to serve others—and God.

How Should We Serve?

When we are swamped with work, and the phone rings, we usually get frustrated—especially if the phone is hiding and we have to search for it! Is it not like that sometimes when a friend asks for our help? We craft reasons as to why we simply cannot assist them. What if someone called with concerns of being saved? Would we dare say we are “too busy” then? To serve others, we have to put others before ourselves (Phil. 2:3). Realize that we should want to help those in need, especially if their need is spiritual. He calls us to not only serve, but to do it joyfully, not grudgingly or with a desire for recognition. We are told to be humble, as was Christ, and live life as a servant (Matthew 5:5, 23:11-12; Proverbs 29:23; Philippians 2:5; James 4:6, 10, 1 Peter 5:6).

Identify

The devotional for March 29th in Power for Today, a tri-monthly devotional booklet, addressed how we each possess special gifts and abilities from God. Select lines from 1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “As each one has received a gift…” and “…let him do it as with the ability which God supplies…” (emphasis mine). So, we know each one of us has something we can definitely use for the furtherance of God’s work––a gift He has provided us with. We must discover what that gift is! The book Girl to Girl lists some good ideas for helping out in your home congregation:

• Teach Bible classes, or serve as a teacher’s aide.
• Clean and cook.
• Make and send cards to those struggling, sick, or in need of a friendly hello.
• Call those who have not attended in a while, and let them know you miss them.
• Volunteer for odd jobs. (Helping with bulletins, making copies, sharpening pencils, updating bulletin boards, etc.)
• Help with Vacation Bible School.
• Encourage all your brothers and sisters in Christ.

But, of course, you know that there are numerous opportunities to serve outside the church. Do you enjoy writing? Write encouraging notes to the kids at school who are having a tough time. Is there someone in the community who lost their home in a natural disaster? Get some boxes and ask friends if they will donate clothes, food items, or money. It’s easy to find ways to serve when you are on the lookout! Try different ways to serve others, and find things that you enjoy doing, but more importantly, make sure it will help those in need, and most importantly–glorify God (Matt. 5:16).

“No one cares!”

It is a sad fact that there are women who have kindly served others their whole lives, but rarely got a “thank you.” You may feel unappreciated if you are not recognized or praised for a good deed, but always remember that we serve to glorify God. It is greatly encouraging when we are thanked; however, do not let yourself become disheartened if you feel no one cares for your help. Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart…” God knows when your intents to serve and help are pure, and you will be blessed for them. He notices when no one else does. In the end, we will get the biggest and best “thank you” ever—a home with Him! (Rev. 2:10b)

Be thankful—USE!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17a). Would you not say the unique abilities we each have are good gifts from above? God truly does bless us with all we need to serve Him in serving others. Thank Him (Eph. 5:20) by using your talents to aid others in need! Use your special gifts, and “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).

By Hannah Smith