BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
(Galatians 6:10)
MEDITATION:
Whenever we think about using our spiritual gifts to serve the Lord,
we might envision doing something that is profound and noticed by
a large number of folks.
Some may think,
“If God wants me to serve Him by becoming a public speaker,
well known singer, sports star, etc., then I am ready!”
We need to remember that God calls us to serve in the way He
wants us to serve, which is often quite different from our own
ideas. He gives us special spiritual gifts which might only be
used effectively when we are taken out of our comfort zones.
Some are called to be pastors, evangelists, teachers, etc. which
requires them to be in front of many, and includes a lot of work
and prayer in order to share His messages effectively. But God
may call us to serve in seemingly insignificant ways which may
not be detectable by large groups of people.
However, when God “gifts” us for serving Him, it is never
insignificant, but Satan will try to convince us that our
efforts will not make a difference. We may think that when
we serve Him, we are only touching a small number of people,
but if we only touch one, then we are making an impact for
His kingdom.
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander
from the truth and someone should bring that person
back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the
error of their way will save them from death and cover
over a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)
One “significant” way we serve God is by encouraging others, and
especially those who are actively serving Him with their gifts. When
Satan knows God has called someone to shepherd a group of people,
he increases His efforts to discourage them and make them quit.
Consequently, they need to be prayed for and encouraged often.
Think about this: If someone who is serving God is an “engine”,
then our encouragement is the “gas” that keeps them from shutting
down. It might be an area of service that is not noticed by others,
but it is an important and significant part of His ministry. Others may
not be aware of how we are using God’s gift, but God sees our efforts.
Do you remember the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37?
He was on a journey, but stopped and helped a bruised and broken
man. He didn’t make excuses saying, “It’s none of my business.”,
nor did he look around to see who was watching. It was a golden
moment for him to help and encourage someone, and he took it.
All around us are people who need the compassion of Christ.
They need for us to see their pain and problems as golden
opportunities to serve them in the name of Jesus.
The chief enemy to kindness and encouragement is busyness.
We have our priorities, our jobs, our duties, our responsibilities,
and we’re too busy; but if we’re too busy to serve, then we’re too
busy. This is the reason we need to maintain fellowship with other
believers; to gain spiritual strength for the opportunities that come
our way.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging
one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
ACTION:
You may be the only Jesus some people may ever see.
What will they see in you? Will they see someone who
has a casual relationship with the Lord, or will they
see someone who loves Him with all their heart?
What’s on your schedule for today? If someone called
and needed a ride to the hospital, could/would you take
them? If someone was in distress and needed a friend,
would you take the time to listen?
When is the last time you have encouraged someone
who is actively serving the Lord (pastor, etc.)? If
Satan can cause them to fall, or give up, then he
knows it will negatively affect many others.
If you haven’t encouraged those actively serving the Lord,
then what is holding you back? Remember, they can be
under a constant attack from Satan, and your encouragement
can inspire them to keep on keeping on.
Always leave room for Jesus to work through you, by using
you and your gift as part of His earthly ministry. What God
calls you to do is significant and important, so don’t allow
Satan to discourage you and convince you that it is not.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan of salvation
and thank You, Jesus for taking the punishment I deserve
so that my sins can be washed away. Lord, I could never
repay You for what You have done for me, but I can show
my appreciation by using the spiritual gifts you have given
me to serve You. Thank You for giving me opportunities to
prove my faith and love for You through service. Help me
to avoid squandering my opportunities for serving You
through the encouragement of others. You are my rock
and solid foundation, and I know that whatever You want
me to do, You will help me accomplish.”
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