As your spiritual teacher I give this piece of advice to each one of you. Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God has given to you all. For just as you have many members in one physical body and those members differ in their functions, so we, though many in number, compose one body in Christ and are all members of one another. Through the grace of God, we have different gifts. If our gift is preaching, let us preach to the limit of our vision. If it is serving others let us concentrate on our service; if it is teaching let us give all we have to our teaching; and if our gift be the stimulating of the faith of others let us set ourselves to it. Let the man who is called to give, give freely; let the man who wields authority think of his responsibility; and let the man who feels sympathy for his fellows act cheerfully.

Romans 12:3-8 (Phillips)

 

We are to faithfully use our gifts to bear fruits for Christ.

According to the Apostle Paul, we have all received a measure of faith to believe and serve God. Our faith increases as we grow in our knowledge and understanding of our oneness in Christ. This ever-increasing faith enables us to be more fruitful in using our gifts and graces to bless and build up the Body of Christ.

Some people will make all kinds of excuses to avoid serving and using the gifts God has given them. They might claim that they do not feel worthy or good enough to do anything for God. But they are perpetuating and pursuing a “Christian” life by their own efforts, not relying on the Spirit.

The truth is you already have worth and significance because our loving Father created you in love to be loved by Him. This frees you to serve those around you without needing or seeking appreciation, recognition, or validation for your good works. While they may honour and praise you for your actions and impact on their lives, you cheerfully do everything to the glory of God. This is because obeying God brings the deepest satisfaction.

With this in mind, we strive to do as much good as possible with whatever resources we have at our disposal. God will put the desire in your heart to serve His purpose. Thus, the question for each of us is not “should I serve?” but “where should I serve!.”