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SITTING OR SERVING?

(Matt. 5:13-16)
May 17, 2009 - Graduation

As Christians, we’re not called to sit. We’re called to serve. The Scriptures are very clear about that. Even at age twelve, Jesus said, “How is it that ye sought me? (Knew) ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:49, kjv).

In fact, Jesus’ whole life was based upon service. He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve . . .” (Matt. 20:28, niv).

Furthermore, Jesus said that we praise God, not with pious words, but by doing good things. “You should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do. Live so that they will praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:15-16, edb).

Every Christian is called to serve, but it’s important to realize that we’re not called to do everything. We’re called to do something. Each individual is equipped to accomplish very special purposes. Paul said, “Be sure to do the work the Lord gave you” (Col. 4:17, edb).

Once a man in the city slums saw a boy giving his small friend a piggyback ride. Both boys were thin and ragged, but smiling. A resident explained, “That’s Juan and Mario. Juan was born blind, but he can walk. And Mario is paralyzed. He can’t walk, but he can see. So Juan gives Mario rides and Mario gives Juan directions. They’ve worked out quite a system. Each does what he can. They’re a team.”

It’s the same with us. As Christians we are a team. Peter said, “Each of you received a spiritual gift. God has shown you his grace in giving you different gifts. . . . You are . . . responsible for using God’s gifts. So be good servants and use your gifts to serve each other” (I Peter 4:10, edb).

Now, if all this is true, then our greatest challenge is to discover our gifts, and respond to God’s call. How can we do that?

I. FIRST, LET’S CONSIDER OUR TEMPERAMENT.

Each of us is born with certain traits. Paul said, “God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would do good works” (Eph. 2:10, edb).

We must be who we’re meant to be and do what we we’re designed to do. Therefore our natural strengths and weaknesses and needs will help determine our call to service.

Some individuals are sociable and need a lot of attention and approval. Others are productive and need to be in control and achieve results. Still others are serious and need order and sensitivity. Then, some are cooperative and need peace and respect. The church, the kingdom and indeed the world needs all of these types to create harmony.

A guitar has six strings. The guitarist uses combinations of these strings to play chords and melodies. If one string is missing or out of tune, the whole song is ruined. The skill of the musician is irrelevant if the strings are defective.

So it is with a body of believers. Each has different gifts according to the working of the Holy Spirit. When these gifts work together, they create marvelous harmony in God’s work here on earth. But if even one believer is missing or gets out of tune, the entire work is threatened.

God knows that if we are not involved in activities that match our temperament, we’ll never be satisfied. That’s why He calls us to compatible ministries.

So think of ways you can serve that will use your strengths and fill your needs.

II. NEXT, LETS CONSIDER OUR VALUES.

Each of us has standards and beliefs that shape our lives. These principles are important to us. They affect our decisions. Paul said, “Those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help all people” (Titus 3:8b, edb).

We must use our time and resources for projects that will agree with and support our moral code. Our values determine our priorities, our desires and our ultimate goals. Values have eternal consequences. Jesus said, “Don’t store treasures for yourselves here on earth . . . store your treasures in heaven. (Because) your heart will be where your treasure is” (Matt. 6:19-21, edb).

An unknown poet wrote:

Out of this life I shall never take
The things of silver and gold I make.
All that I cherish and hoard away
After I’m gone, on this earth must stay.
Though I call them mine and boast their worth,
They’re left behind when I leave this earth.
. . . . . . .

I often wonder what I shall own
In heaven’s realm, when I pass alone,
. . . . . .
Oh, shall I learn, when my task is through
That my soul has gained some treasures too?
Or shall I at last so sadly find,
That all I’ve worked for, is left behind?
----Adapted by Maralene Wesner

Paul said, “Think only about the things in heaven, not the things on earth” (Col. 3:2, edb).
God knows we need to be faithful to our values. That’s why He calls us to compatible ministries.
So, think of ways you can serve that will emphasize your priorities and support your beliefs.

III. THEN, LET’S CONSIDER OUR INTERESTS.

Each of us has different means of enjoyment. We’re fascinated by different subjects. We’re attracted to different issues. If we can invest our energy in areas of personal interest, we’ll be more likely to persevere. If our work can give us pleasure, then we won’t have to waste a lot of time and money seeking that pleasure in wasteful shopping and unrewarding recreations. Solomon said we can enjoy ordinary things. “I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him . . .” (Ecc. 8:15, niv).

Individuals must find their own passions. No one is exactly like you. No one is going to respond as you respond. But, that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with personal preferences. There is need for all in the world. A wise man said, “It’s better that we strive to be a poor happy cobbler than to be a rich miserable magistrate.”

God knows our interests will help us be consistent. That’s why He calls us to compatible ministries.

So think of ways you can serve that will allow you to deal with things that give you pleasure.

IV. ALSO, LETS CONSIDER OUR KNOWLEDGE.

Each of us has levels of education and areas of expertise. These include both information and imagination. Paul advises the use of the Scriptures and assures us that if we prepare properly we’ll have the knowledge we need. He said, “Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be ready and will have everything he needs to do every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17, edb).

We should seek places of service in areas that can benefit from our particular experience and wisdom. Matthew and Mark were twins, but they were very different. Mark loved to read and study. Matt made lower grades in school and thought he was stupid. But his mother explained, “You’re smart, too, but in a different way from Mark. For instance, when his bike was broken, who fixed it?”

“I did, but that was easy,” Matt said with a shrug.

“Yes,” mother replied, “You have mechanical abilities that Mark doesn’t have. Last year we gave Mark a chess game, and we gave you a set of tools, remember? Did it make you mad because we gave you different birthday gifts?”

“Of course not,” Matt exclaimed.

“Well God gives Christians different gifts, too. Don’t think less of your intelligence just because it’s not like Mark’s. Thank God for the mind you have and use it.”

God knows it’s important to use our knowledge. That’s why He calls us to compatible ministries.

So think of ways you can serve that will require the education and information that you possess.

V. FINALLY, LET’S CONSIDER OUR ABILITIES.

Each of us has talents and skills. Paul said, “Each person has his own gift from God. One has one gift, another has another gift” (1 Cor. 7:7, edb).

These wonderful gifts must be utilized. Personal, social and national problems abound. Difficulties are everywhere. If we have the capabilities of solving any of these problems or easing any of these difficulties, we must do so.

If we have a key that will unlock the door to a better world, we must use that key. If we see a need that we can fill, then this represents a call from God.

God knows if we don’t use our abilities we’ll lose them. That’s why He calls us to compatible ministries.
So think of ways you can serve that will utilize your particular talents and skills.

It’s obvious that if we are called to serve instead of sit, we must respond to that call. Isaiah said, “ I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:8).

Can you say that? As Christians we must be willing volunteers because the work won’t get done without us. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2).

Paul said, “We work together as partners who belong to God . . .” (1 Cor. 3:9a).

Furthermore, we must serve with joy, rather than resentment. Paul said, “Do your work, and be happy to do it. Work as if you were serving the Lord, not as if you were serving only men” (Eph. 6:7).

We must serve with enthusiasm rather than apathy. Solomon said, “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do {it} with all your might . . .” (Ecc. 9:10a, nas).

We must serve with perseverance rather than inconsistency. Paul said, “Never get tired of doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13).

We can be assured that God is aware of our efforts. The writer of Hebrews said, “God is fair. He will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for him by helping his people” (Heb. 6:10, edb).

Let’s use Scripture, prayer and common sense to find our place of service. Let’s consider our temperament, our strengths and our needs. Let’s consider our values, our interests, our knowledge and our abilities. We can be sure that our call to serve will definitely be in an area that will utilize all of these personal characteristics. Let’s hear God’s call and respond.

As High School graduates enter college or the work force they have the responsibility of choosing careers, avocations, and lifestyles that include activities they should do, but these activities also need to be things that we want to do. Our achievements and contributions must “feed” our souls as well as our bodies. Life is too short to work just for a paycheck.

We’re not called to sit. We’re called to serve! We must consider our God given temperaments, our values, our interests, our knowledge and our abilities.

(WC1862)
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Copyrighted 2009 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS MESSAGE IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE. The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works.

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Miles E Wesner