Sunday, February 3, 2013

THE GRACE OF SERVING OTHERS



Romans 12:7-8  -  New International Version (NIV)
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

New Living Translation (NLT)
If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

I read the other day some devotional thoughts of a fine Christian man who lost a very good leadership position through downsizing in his company. He is such an outstanding leader and worker it is hard to believe that anyone would demote him. But it did happen. Now to make some extra money and to use his time for a good cause he cleans peoples' boats. You would think this man would be depressed, but not so. 

He became the adopted parent of four college students from Costa Rica. It gives him great joy to help make their dreams come true. The loss he experienced in that very important company could not keep him out of doing God’s work. 

Whatever your position is in the church, God can show you ways to be fruitful in every good work that you do for Him. Our ministry or gifts has the character of overflowing grace in terms of generosity, in zeal and joy. These gifts and ministry are given by the gracious grace of God. These are all the works of God effectively working in us and through us. The work of God is the work through humility and grace.

2 Corinthians 9:8  -   New International Version 1984
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Hebrews 13:21 -   King James Version (KJV)
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Pray that God would help us to persevere to serve Him in every good work.

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