Serving God
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“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV).
What does it mean to serve God?
I used to think it had to do with certain ministry related activities such as teaching a Bible class, singing in the choir, speaking at a women’s function, or raising money for the poor. But I’ve discovered that serving God is much more encompassing.
Serving God is a life style.
“If you want to be of use to God, get rightly related to Jesus Christ and He will make you of use unconsciously every minute you live,” writes Oswald Chambers.
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“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies,” said Mother Teresa. “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
Now, instead of waiting for ministry opportunities to come my way, I’m looking for ordinary ways to bless someone’s life– having a neighbor in for lunch, going for walks with a friend, writing an article, knitting an Afghan, volunteering at Gleaners where senior retirees, like me, make soup mixes for the hungry people of the world.
Whatever we do out of love for Christ, is ministry.
Dear Father, I want to be alert to the opportunities I have today to do “small things with great love” for your glory.
Questions: What does it mean to serve God?
About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid
thanks very much.
if you have some articles in my language, Amahiric or Afan oromo, let me know
i try to be faithful to Him in all that i do
Thank you, Helen, for today’s wonderful devotional. Blessings to you and to the other readers!
Thank you, all, so very much for your comments and encouragement.
PS: I copied the verse from this devotional and am using it as my screen saver on my computer in my workroom…. just to keep this reminder fresh!
Thank you for the sweet reminder that God has called me to a chosen pathway and am able to serve my family, the community and HIM! The gifts He has given me for my career choice developed and grew over many years and I thank HIM for directing me and leading me to the right places at the right times. I am also grateful for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I listen.
In response to Judy’s comment: I worked in an office for years, had my two boys (now 15 and almost 14)and wanted so badly to be an at home mom. Through God’s guidance and my “taking chances” I have been able to say I am now into my 11th year of business, working for myself, from home. My clients always know however that I am a mom and if I need to be driving my son to hockey or soccer or music that this too is an “appointment”. Working IN or OUT of the home we need to get our priorities straight. The only downfall as a mother,career person and extreme volunteer too is I STILL find it difficult to take time for US (hubby and me). As far as the volunteering goes, that’s MY time and it benefits others at the same time! I think I get more out of it than what I can give.
Judy, i’ve always heard the preacher’s say the service to God starts in the home with the family. The scriptures even talk about if a husband can’t even keep his family in line what kind of example is he? (something along these line) God also says to “love your neighbor as yourself” so to me if i don’t love and take care of myself and my surroundings and immediate family, how can i really love my neighbor?
Serving God to me is about keeping His Word as best i can. it’s about hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit and obeying. When to say something when not to. It’s about staying with the “process” HE is trying to get me through to learn something. Patience and Hope and not giving up on a lost soul. Praying, interceding and engaging in warfare for the life of one in bondage and addictions is serving God to me. Keeping myself pure so His Light can shine through me and others will want it and be attracted to it. These are some of the things i feel to be serving God for me. ~Blessings
Hi Judy, what a wonderful witness you are! I firmly believe that we are to first be faithful at home and then from there serve others. The Bible cites several examples of the rewards of faithfulnesss Proverbs 31 describes the wise woman who took care of her home and then tended to business. It also describes the qualities of a bishop and the contrasting one of the infidel.
Don’t be so hard on your sister or yourself, we do better when we know better. We can all relate to the heart’s zealous passion to serve! Just patiently explain to your sister that the LORD has entrusted you with a precious ministry in that you are called to serve your family first and then as He directs you shall indeed minister to others. I like how Helen explains, “it’s in the little things that we serve God.” God said, “by this, shall all men know those who belong to Me” (paraphrased) – how will they know Judy? By the love expressed through every kind act, by the way we give ourselves to our family, friends and neighbors. Some people get it confused, when people see our family, home (even the yard) in order – that is great witnessing Judy! It’s not complicated but it’s practical theology. So continue on with your ministry, go about your daily duties serving God as you serve your precious family!
Blessings!!!
Let me clarify what I wrote in my other email. My sister is the type of person, if anyone calls to ask her to go out to eat with them, she will drop everything to go with them. I am the Home Body. I am learning to drop everything to go out but it is still hard for me. Also, my sister tends to get behind on things around the house and, then, she will ask me to help her catch up. I have always been the type of person to keep a, somewhat, a clean house. Also, I have tried to stay on top of things…I am not a pack rat but she is. She tends to be a procrastinator around her home. I am not putting her down…I am asking, Can a person take care of family/home and still be serving God. John The Baptist stated, one day, as Jesus was just passing by….Look, The Son of God. Jesus was just passing by…not doing anything special…just being Jesus. Can’t a person take care of family/home…going about daily duties and still be serving God?
I have a sister who have always made me feel so guilty. I would be busy with family, home and working outside the home. She always implies that doing for other people such as you (Author Helen Grace Lescheid) have stated above is the way to serve God. Isn’t serving family a way, also, to serve God. Like I have heard it said, What testimony is it to leave a sink full of dishes, beds not made, letting your family go and go out to serve other people all in the Name of God. Isn’t taking care of your family a way of serving God too? I really would like other comments on this.
Thank you so much for this inspirational message, I feel as if it were directed to me.
I love when God does that :-)