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Serve in a Body

The way of the world today is somewhat narcissistic and encourages self-importance. Self-importance and popularity get promoted as true personal significance. Power is seen as how many people I can get to do things for me and not the other way round. 

But Jesus modeled a different worldview as seen in Matthew 20:26-28.

'But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'

Who deserves service more than Jesus, the Son of God? But He came to model the power of serving others. We are called to serve one another just as He did, giving His life.

The meaning of “serve” is to perform duties or services for (another person or an organization). Every person has a unique calling and ministry that God has placed within them as part of the Body of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 12:18-21 NLT But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

Every person has a function that has a special function to perform as part of the Body. Not only are we called to serve but given special gifts to do so.

1 Peter 4:10 CSB Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

Our gifts and talents empower us to serve others effectively. To truly serve, each believer should be content with their place within the body and perform the tasks that they are given with joy, unconditional love, and humility (Matthew 23:11-12). God is pleased when we serve Him with joy in every activity that we are engaged in for the sake of the body.

Psalm 100:2 CSB Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

As a Christian, you should ask God to show you how and where to serve His Kingdom in humility but with energy and joy. Ask Him to show you what your special gifts are and how to utilize them to serve others and glorify His Name.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for giving me Your life. Help me to serve others as part of the Body of Christ.