We all want to be better prepared and equipped to serve Jesus. What a great joy it is to know that God, in these last days, has chosen to use us. Studying the Bible, specifically looking for those places where we learn how to serve, is enriching and encouraging. Let’s look at seven things that will help you grow in serving. I hope they take root in your heart and help point you in the right direction as you serve the Lord.
#1 – We serve God in His Spirit, not our strength.
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. Zechariah 4:6
Since we receive so much practical instruction on servanthood and leadership, the temptation may be to jump into serving with both feet, trying to apply facts and information in our own thoughts. But the truth is, true servanthood is Spirit-led and Spirit-empowered! That’s why we call it ‘spiritual’ servanthood. We serve in and by the Spirit of God. Stay open to and dependent upon the Lord and all He wants, flowing in His Spirit, walking according to His will.
#2 – We serve God with His wisdom & not our own understanding.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh And strength to your bones. Prov 3:5-8 (NKJV)
A key to walking in the Spirit is living in God’s wisdom. If we lean on the Lord and not our own understanding, far fewer mistakes would be made, far fewer people would be injured, far less confusion would be present, and far fewer feelings would be hurt! It is critical that we learn not to be wise in our own eyes. Only God knows exactly what we are walking into. Look to Him and trust Him for direction.
#3 – We serve God as a man or woman of the Bible!
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NKJV)
One of the best things you can do to make yourself a better, more fruitful servant is to be a man or woman of one Book! The person God uses greatly is a man or woman of the Bible. You can tell if you are by what comes out of your mouth. Do you speak the truths of God or your own ideas and popular opinions? Do you know more about your job, about your favorite actor, and movies than you do about your Bible? Read your Bible every day! Looking for something to do? Read and study your Bible. There is a significant lack today in our culture of reading and studying the Bible. Let that not apply to you! Need a question answered? Turn to the Bible. Giving counsel or advice? Use the Bible. Hurting people don’t need your idea or the latest thing shared on some popular TV show. They need God’s Word. Opinions come and go, but only God’s opinion matters!
#4 – We serve God as a man or woman of prayer
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up. Luke 18:1 (NLT)
1 Thess 5:17 pray without ceasing,
Prayer and the Bible go hand in hand. God uses a man or woman of prayer. Your life must be marked by praying with people, praying for people, praying for help, wisdom, healing, discernment, and praying. The key to walking in the Spirit and accomplishing God’s work is to be in constant communication with God in prayer.
#5 – We serve God striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Prov 6:16-19 (NKJV)
The effective servant of the Lord is a person who is not divisive. You’re been put in a position to help resolve issues in the Spirit, not make them worse. If you’re having problems with the pastor, leader, or overseer, go to them directly to work it out. If you’re unable to work it out, don’t go around trying to build a case through gossip and slander. If needed, make the decision to find a more like-minded ministry and serve your heart out in ministry. Friction occurs in any group of people. The spiritual servant or leader helps reduce the friction, not increase it. Nothing kills relationships and churches more than division. As a servant, as a leader, be that peacemaker!
#6 – We serve God as we lay aside and crucify any prejudice.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 16:6-7 (NKJV)
If you are prone to negatively prejudge people based on what you see outwardly, you need to ask God to remove that from your heart. Negatively judging someone based on their skin color, where they live, their tattoos, or any other outward thing is not of the Lord. Our Jesus was not a prejudiced man even though the world in which He entered, His creation, was and still is very prejudiced. Even the spiritual leaders of the day were prejudiced as they excluded whole people groups based on their race. Jesus came to get us back on track. People are people! Learn to serve anyone anytime, anywhere, in the name of Jesus!
#7 – We serve God willingly without murmuring and complaining!
Phil 2:14-16 (NKJV) Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
It’s sad to hear people complaining in a church, even ours. But for those who serve and lead in a local church to complain, that’s very discouraging. Even though murmuring and complaining have been with us ever since Biblical days, it was, then and now, a major waste of time. It doesn’t help. It doesn’t edify. It doesn’t solve anything. It quickly propels a perfectly good servant into the flesh. If you can’t serve without complaining, please step down and make room for someone who wants to serve! Then, go to your prayer closet and ask God to do business with your heart. Give it the right spiritual, biblical attention if you see something that needs attention. Please fix it. Tell someone who can. It’s always wise to take the better option to be that peacemaking servant who helps to solve problems, not make them worse by complaining.
I pray for blessings in your ministry as you grow in His grace and knowledge!
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
