Thu 31 Aug 2006, 08:18 PM
This is the fourth entry in a series on Christian service. You can begin with the first blog, entitled Whom Do You Serve in Ministry? Also be sure to check out the complementary guide to this series for questions that will help you find a ministry that fits the way God made you.
Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to complete his work. (John 4:34 NET)
Jesus set the ultimate standard for us to serve God. Never once was He out of God's will, but faithfully performed it day in and day out, everything to completion. He wasn't involved in church-organized ministries; there were none. He was simply out doing His Father's business. At times he became physically tired and hungry, but doing God's will was far more important and satisfying.
We can find the same fulfillment and great reward when we serve others even if we're not involved in a long-term ministry. What we do for the least of God's children is the same as doing it for Jesus. (Read Matthew 25:31-40.) It doesn't have to be something big. It may be only a cup of cold water, but if we do it because they are a disciple of Christ, we will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42).
Have you ever passed up eating because you were being fulfilled through your work for God? If so, what were you doing?
When we consider Christian ministry, we are more often in the mindset of looking for big projects and long-term service. It is easy to forget the importance of doing little things for others. What are some "little things" you can do to build up one or more people in the body of Christ? Plan to do at least one of those in the next week. (One "little thing" can be listing your ideas here.)
Go to the next installment in this series, When is the Right Time to Serve?