Changed: CCV StudentsSample

SERVING

Have you ever wondered why volunteering or serving somebody else makes us feel so good? If you’ve ever done some sort of service project or known someone who volunteers for some cause, then you probably know that many people who serve in some way report that they feel like they get more out of it than the people they are helping. There are probably several reasons for this if you really dig into it, but the main one is that we were designed by God to serve other people. It’s true! In fact, the Apostle Paul (who wrote most of the books in the New Testament) tells us that God has given each and every Christ follower at least one Spiritual Gift. This gift may feel like a natural ability or something you’re really passionate about, but God built that into you so that you could use it to serve others.

A lot of times we can get hung up on trying to figure out what gifts God gave us, but don’t spend so much effort on that question that you never get off the bench and start serving. You can ask some people who are close to you (a parent, coach, or friend who will tell you the truth), and you can absolutely pray that God will show you what He has gifted you to do. But ultimately, the best way to find out how you’ve been gifted to serve is to start serving! Look for a need that sounds interesting, and find a way to be involved. Sign up to serve in a kids class at church, find a way to help that older lady in your neighborhood, or look for ways to use what you’re already good at (sports, music, art, etc.) to worship God and point other people towards Him. 

You see, following Jesus isn’t about just filling up on all the warm fuzzy feelings that can come with that relationship – it’s about a mission to share that with the world around you. And one of the most practical ways we can do that is to step in and serve. That can be a weekly thing you sign up to do at church or school, and it can also be an attitude you walk around with as you consistently look for opportunities to help others. The point is that as you give back some of what Jesus has given to you, you will be amazed at what it does for your own heart and how your relationship with Jesus will grow even deeper. 

Today, read the following passages, and spend some time praying. Ask God to show you how He has gifted you, and for Him to give you opportunities to use your gifts and abilities to serve others.