Ministers Desk 22 April 2012

One of the four pillars of our purpose is that we will grow as disciples as we embody our faith by each having at least one area of service that stretches us to a God only spot where we must rely upon the Holy Spirit and the gifts that he gives us.

The idea of service in the kingdom of God is one that people often misunderstand.  Some will work because they think that it is required to earn salvation, appease God or demonstrate a worthiness to receive what has been given.  When we act like this we become like the older son in the parable of the prodigal God.  Others find an outlet for their abilities, interests and skills through serving in the church in a similar way to serving in a community group or paid employment.  Others again see it as an optional extra if they have time or the inclination.

As disciples of Christ however, we are called to the privilege of serving so that God’s work of salvation may become seen throughout the world.  Service is therefore a sharing in the work of Jesus Christ.  In Galatians 2:15 - 16 Paul writes about his conversion.  “But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.”  Paul sees a direct connection between him receiving the gift of salvation and being called to service as an apostle to the Gentiles.

Each of us have a part to play in the work of God’s kingdom.  What is yours?  Do you see how you have the privilege of making Christ known, of helping others experience the love and grace of Jesus, of working to bring about God’s justice and provision?  When we can see our service from the perspective of God’s kingdom then the concerns and reservations that we may have about being overloaded or incapable fade away and we become excited and compelled to respond to what God is already doing in this world.

When we serve in the power of the Holy Spirit we do not need to be concerned about our limitations.  God knows those and works through us with them and despite them.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians that when he is weak that he finds the strength of God.  God looks for our availability.  He takes what we offer and can make something beautiful out of that, honouring our limitations and our deepest desires. 

If you don’t have an area of service in the kingdom of God, whether in this congregation or outside, I encourage you to surrender yourself to the purpose and will of God.  As you do be amazed at how you will grow in your discipleship and see the ways that God meets and sustains you and reveals his salvation of creation in and through you.