As we conclude our series on identity we are looking at what a disciple does.
This week we have learned that a disciple listens, loves and today we see that a disciple serves.
Jesus says, ”And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42
For Christians, service is not something to be tacked onto our schedules if we can spare the time. It is the heart of the Christian life. Jesus came "to serve" and "to give"—and those two verbs should define your life on earth, too. Serving and giving sum up one of God's purposes for your life as a disciple, a follower of Christ.
Jesus taught that spiritual maturity is never an end in itself. Maturity is for ministry! We grow up in order to give out. It is not enough to keep learning more and more. We must act on what we know and practice what we claim to believe. Study without service leads to spiritual stagnation. Many of us don’t need to go to another Bible study. We already know far more than we are putting into practice. What we need are serving experiences in which we can exercise our spiritual muscles.
Serving is the opposite of our natural inclination. Most of the time we're more interested in "serve us" than service. We say, "I'm looking for a church that meets my needs and blesses me," not "I'm looking for a place to serve and be a blessing." We expect others to serve us, not vice versa.
But as we mature as disciples of Christ, the focus of our lives should increasingly shift to living a life of service.
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
This Super Bowl Sunday join us in all 5 services as we highlight testimonials from some NFL greats as well as current players from the Broncos and Panthers. Be sure to invite a friend to one of these special services.
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