August 17: SERVICE

See it:

“There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit.” Ministry of Healing by E.G.White (pp143-144)

Obey it:

This quote bundles evangelism and service. Here are some principles to remember:

1.      A service lifestyle is part of a divine expectation. It would be helpful to understand that when standing before our Maker, instead of asking us to recite the eschatological timeline, God asks, “What did you do about My children that needed help?” (see Matthew 25:34-36)

2.      A service lifestyle takes us out of our comfort zone. It’s more than outreach. It’s reaching out: even to those who don’t look, believe, speak, or act like we do. That includes our enemies! (see Matthew 5:46-48)

3.      A service lifestyle breaks down barriers. It’s all about love, and love can indeed “conquer all.” When we express love, we break down preconceived concepts about the church and God. Most people, when they think about church, associate it more with asking for things than giving you things. Service goes a long way to change that perception.

Share it:
Remember, there are 37 recorded miracles of Jesus in the New Testament. There is one written sermon of Jesus (Matthew 5-7). Remember the initial quote? “If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen.” Ministry of Healing

My prayer today:
Lord, help me to preach more with my actions than what I do with my verbs.

Season of Service