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 three in the sixth 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:
Faith That Saves

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

Have you ever avoided trouble or harm because you believed something you were told?  Have you ever had to watch someone walk a difficult, even harmful, path because they refused to believe your warnings?  How difficult is it to serve someone who doesn’t believe you?  How about serving someone that you don’t believe in?  How does the faith that saved you help you serve others more effectively?

I tend to be a big picture observer.  While that can be a helpful trait, it doesn’t win me many friends if I try to point out how a small decision now has long-lasting consequences that many would rather not consider.  There are a few people though, who have learned to believe what I can see and appreciate the perspective that I bring.  The sadder part is that many ignore God’s “big-picture” perspective because they lack a faith that could save them from many hard consequences as well as save their soul eternally.  To serve well, we need a faith that sees beyond today and into the desire God has for those we serve.

As you pray, ask God to help you examine how your faith in Him has saved you.  Pray that your faith in God would lead you to share about a saving faith with those you serve.

In prayer,

Tom