Welcome to this blog A Heart for Service.
I’ve shared before that I believed I would run my organization until I retired. I never thought I would sell my company.
However, when God spoke to me about selling the business, though it did not make sense to me at first, I soon began to understand why it was necessary and would benefit my family and my entire team at work. As mentioned severally, two of my primary goals for running a business were to have financial and time independence. Selling the company had a direct impact on both. My time opened up, and I was able to utilize the gifts and skills that God had given me to serve others.
Often, when we think of serving or ministry, we don’t necessarily see our marketplace gifts as applicable or usable. Yet, the very same gifts God gave us to excel in business can and should be applied to the church and ministry. Each of us has gifts to bring, and I believe if we all operated in this awareness, we would have a greater impact on the world.
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13
The first time I visited Israel in 1994, the Garden of Gethsemane was the place that struck me the most. It is there that I felt a strong invitation from God to serve his people. As I sat quietly in the garden, I thought about the decision Christ made to die for me, knowing very well the suffering and pain that he would have to go through.
I was overwhelmed by this. Being in the garden helped put this into perspective – God gave his life for me. This thought has propelled me to go forward and do things God has called me to, even when I’m not fully comfortable. How do I say no when he has already given me so much? How do I not take that step he asks me to when he already sacrificed his all? This has been a key driver as I continue to serve.
There are many ways we can be a blessing to God’s people, and I would like to share with you a few of the lessons I have garnered as I have had the honor of serving over the years.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET INVOLVED
I’ve had the privilege of traveling and serving both in the United States and across the world – in Chile, Argentina, Belarus, Poland, Uganda, Kenya, Mexico, Sri Lanka, and beyond.
The truth about serving in church and ministries is we often go in with the perspective that we are going to make a difference and bring about change. While this may be true, I have found that I always change and come back with much more than I gave.
One of the mission trips I took was with Free Wheelchair Mission, which provides wheelchairs for those in need. While assembling the chairs is good to do, the act of physically lifting someone off the ground and placing them in their new chair was a life-changing experience for me. I opted to take the role of adjusting the footrests once they were seated. Most of them had never had a wheelchair or had never even sat up by themselves. It was humbling being on the ground, serving them, and seeing the joy on their faces.
Being down in the trenches, using my hands and feet to serve others, is the most fulfilling kind of serving for me.
SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF GOD – NOT MAN
Some years ago, the church I attend (Mariners Church) was planning to merge with another church (South Coast Community Church). Though I was not an elder, I had the opportunity to lead and oversee the entire process to ensure everything was carried out well. There was a planned party for the two elder boards afterward to celebrate the occasion.
Even though I was in a key position and had put in a huge amount of work, I did not get an invitation to the celebration. I was coming from the Banker’s Mutual world where I was used to sitting at the head of the table for celebrations. I understood the value of hard work and celebration.
I recall that afternoon, as everyone else went to the dinner, leaving the church feeling disappointed. As I sat in my car, I clearly heard God asking me, “Who are you serving? Are you serving at the pleasure of man? Was being invited to the celebration that important to you? I saw your service, and I appreciate your service, but don’t forget the fact that you are serving me.”
That quickly put everything back into perspective. I got caught up in wanting to be seen and receive accolades. Had I been invited to the dinner, I would have missed this important lesson: I serve at the pleasure of God and not man. I was so vulnerable that evening, but I’m so grateful that God got my attention and taught me the true motivation of serving.
CAN YOU EVER DO ENOUGH?
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
Hebrews 6:10
To answer the question in a word…no. However, serving is not a performance-based role, and God does not call us to fix everything. God is more interested in what he wants to do in us rather than through us. There is always going to be more need than resources or people who can meet the need. Nevertheless, making a difference for one individual should never be minimized.
THE JOY OF SERVING
When I serve in an area that God has called me to serve, the joy that I receive is second to none. As you continue to serve and take steps of faith, your discernment of where God is calling you grows, and he equips and encourages you for the task ahead. Avoid knee-jerk reactions and acting too quickly. Instead, seek God at every opportunity, as his sure calling will also help you endure through tough times.
A perfect calling or opportunity may never come, but your choice to show up may lead to another conversation and unlock even something greater. Don’t let your hesitation or imperfect schedule hinder you from taking bold steps. Instead, lean in, serve, and be willing to be stretched by God. It’s amazing what the stretching looks and feels like. You will learn a lot more about God and a lot more about yourself in the process. Remember, as you serve, to not get overwhelmed with the task at hand but keep your eyes fixed on whom it is you are serving – God.
ACTION STEPS
God calls us to love, honor, and help those in need. Consider doing an audit of your gifts and skills and think about how you can begin to utilize them in your church or in a ministry/charity. Take time to pray and ask God to open a door for you. Commit to giving a set amount of time each week or month toward your chosen organization and keep track of your time to monitor and see if you are achieving your goals.
If you have been serving, take time to reflect on what you have done, and focus on how it has affected your heart. Are you continuing to be inspired by your serving? What internal fruit are you bearing?
Serving is not the kind of thing to only do once or twice in your life. It is a rewarding, amazing way to live your whole life.
