It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others.  There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others.  Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season.  I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.

This is day seven in the third week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”.  This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others.  Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.

Serving God:
Strength With Grace

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.“
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

Do you deserve everything that you have?  What would you have left if you were to return to others, and to God, everything that you don’t deserve?  How thankful are you for God’s grace?  Why do you think that grace seems to be so desired, yet so difficult for us to give to others?  Are there people you have a hard time serving because you don’t think they deserve it?  How does being strong in grace help you serve?

Years ago I had a brand new truck.  Not a “new to me” truck, but an actual brand new truck!  Soon after I got this truck, I came home one day to find my sister very apologetic  because while she was mowing the mower had thrown a rock and dented the beautiful chrome trim panel on the truck’s tailgate.  I had a decision to make that after the fact sounds easier than what it was.  Do I extend grace or condemnation to my sister?  Grace was my choice, not because I’m that good but because God is that good.

As you pray, ask God to fill you with a greater understanding and appreciation for His grace extended to you.  Pray that you would extend that level of grace to those you serve.

In prayer,

Tom