We have the incredible privilege to serve Jesus. Not only did He save us, rescue us, and forgive us of our terrible sins. He also enlisted us to serve Him with joy and happiness. To serve well, Jesus gave gifts, and one of the most popular gifts is the gift of ministry, often referred to as the gift of service. So many have been given this exceptional spiritual gift.
Romans 12:6–8 (NKJV) “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
The definition of the gift of serving is “practicing the truth.” The Greek word “Diakonia” describes a faithful servant ensuring everything was adequately cared for. From the original language, we get the picture of a person waiting on a table, like our modern-day waitresses or waiters.
God has given some men and women in the Church the supernatural ability to serve and to serve and to serve. It’s what they were made to do! A person with the gift of serving finds joy in meeting the needs of others. It’s not a burden for them to serve, but they often look for more opportunities to serve, not less. They love to fill the cups of the saints. There is a tremendous love in taking the role of supporting and serving others. People with the gift of service often say, “just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll get it done.”
Jesus is the epitome of servanthood. He was clear in teaching us He came not to be served but to serve.
Mark 10:44–45 (NKJV) “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Jesus is the one who laid aside His divine prerogatives taking the form of a man to die for you and me. He gave the ultimate service to save your soul.
Philippians 2:5–11 (NKJV) “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
The Early Church was filled with servants, men and women exercising the gift of service, like Dorcas, Stephen, or Mary and Martha.
If we are going to serve well, exercising this meaningful gift, then we need to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. When He fills us, empowers us, and directs us, we can’t help but follow His lead in loving service.
So often, people think they need to do things in their own strength to be a good servants. They think they need to try harder. But that’s not what the Bible tells us. We are called to serve in the Spirit. When we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, He will guide our actions and lead us into places of service. He will clarify what we are supposed to do and how we are supposed to do it. We don’t have to be afraid or wonder if we are doing things right.
Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV) “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.”
If you have the gift of serving, don’t be afraid to use it! Let the Holy Spirit guide you into places of service. It’s what He wants you to do. And when you serve, serve with joy! Be like Jesus and let your joy be full.
John 15:11 (NKJV) “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
The key to serving well is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our steps. When we are walking in surrender to the Holy Spirit, He will lead us into places of service. He will clarify what we are supposed to do and how we are supposed to do it. We don’t have to be afraid or wonder if we are doing things right.
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