GOD’S FULLNESS: SERVICE
#6 of 7 in SUCCESS-SERVICE-REWARDS series
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love.”
World Upside Down devotion showed how Jesus’ disciples’ life-view rotated from pleasing self to serving others. Watching Jesus ascend to heaven was a wake-up call for them. Jesus really is God’s Son, and heaven is for real! They began lives of service immediately. No one paid attention to the blessings of service. Their concerns were never to receive praise or get credit.
Nor is it ours. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:4b says “It is the Lord who judges me.” Our focus is our tasks, not comparing ourselves to anyone else. When we trust God to direct our work, we must also entrust all judgment and glory to Him. Service fills people with God’s love.
Service often involves sacrifice. We’re challenged to love people who’re undeserving. (Who’s judging now?) Jesus shows us perfect service. When God became human in the person of Jesus, He humbled Himself to serve people (healing and preaching). He even showed love to those who rejected and betrayed Him (Matthew 26:48-50). One Passover (John 13:5), Jesus washed His disciples’ feet—the lowest task for servants.
Wherever/however we’re called to serve, “It is the Lord Christ we’re serving.” (Colossians 3:24b).
Christians often turn other’s worlds upside down while serving them. Despite work that may seem fruitless, we’re to complete tasks with purpose. (Feelings don’t count because they’re untrustworthy.) Work through trials and hardships—as Paul did—like a good soldier of Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3). One thing is for sure: Following Jesus leads us on paths we never expected, succeeding in ways we never dreamed. We serve others with a glass of water, forgiving someone who wronged us, or settle a friend’s dispute.
We show others mercy, like in Luke 10:29-37. Check out service avenues in Leviticus 19:13-18. Ephesians 4:32 demonstrates forgiving others completely, as Christ forgave us. Christians ought to be the best neighbors—EVER. Our love for others wells up from grateful hearts because of Jesus’ gift of salvation.
Take Home Nugget
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Colossians 2:9 shows that Jesus is the sum of God’s supernatural powers and attributes. Disciples of Jesus have fullness from Christ. John 10:10b says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The indwelling Spirit gives us peace, power, and joy as we serve others.
We’re God’s tools
Servicing those in need.
He fills us, His jewels
Following Jesus’ lead.
J.D. Griffith
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