Service to God

There is a football analyst by the name of Lee Corso who does commentary for ESPN.  He uses the following statement when he is discussing a difference of opinion regarding the results of one of the upcoming football games.  Mr. Corso says, "Not so fast my friend."  Those words came to my mind this morning as I was preparing to share this thought on the blog.  I combined those words of the football analyst with a conversation that I had with my father last night.  It is very important for each of us to be willing to offer our "service" to God.  It may be possible to offer our heart to God and not be willing to offer our service to God.  Serving others is a natural out-flow of serving God.  But each of us deal with the issue of whether our service is useful and whether or not our acts of service are making a difference.  There are times that we lose that debate with ourselves and we back away or back down from serving God.  We have a tendency to compare our service to the service of others.  We have a tendency to define our service as unimportant or unnecessary.  We have a tendency to "think" that God does not see or remember our service because it is done out of the limelight of the knowledge of people.  It is also true that in some cases we may never receive any appreciation for the particular act of service.  But as Mr. Corso would say, "NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND."

Your service to God is important and your service to God is necessary.  Each individual member of the Body of Christ has a distinct purpose for existence.  Paul reminds us that the eye should not degrade or despise the usefulness of the ear.  Each of us are necessary to the overall work of the Kingdom of God.  No one can fulfill your purpose and no one can bring your distinct qualities into the work of the Kingdom of God.  Look at the limitations that your physical body would face if one of your limbs were not working correctly.  You could survive but some other part of your physical body would have to make up for the loss of the usefulness of that member of your body.  Do not allow the enemy to put you on the sideline of spiritual inactivity; these are the days to be connected and involved in the work of the Kingdom of God.  Recommit yourself to service in the Kingdom of God.  Recommit yourself to serving others with a heart of sincere love and appreciation for your fellow man. Recommit yourself to releasing the gifts and talents that God has placed in your life.  Do you remember when God asked Moses to "use what was in his hand" as they faced a great obstacle in their life (Exodus 14)?  Use what God has given to you and stop making excuses for what you do not have!  One man said that "God is not looking for your ability but your availability."  Are you making yourself available to God?

Now to the conversation with my Dad.  My Dad is a 85 year old "retired" Minister.  This past Sunday my Dad and Mom drove 2 1/2 hours to a former church where they had served as Pastors several years ago.  My Dad was asked to bring the sermon that morning and of course he was more than ready to share the Word of God.  He was prepared to serve.  You may say, "Isn't he too old or isn't that dangerous for his health?"  I answer that with Mr. Corso's comments, "NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND."  My Dad spoke with me yesterday as though he was a young preacher who had just delivered his first sermon.  The passion and desire to serve was still alive and vibrant in his heart even after all of his years of service in the Kingdom.  It is amazing how you feel as you offer your service to Christ.  Open your eyes and heart to the opportunities to serve Christ and His mission to this world.  Your life will be impacted as well as the lives of those people you serve!