Why serve?

Last post, I briefly mentioned the contrast of how being a Christian, we are made alive in Christ, while before knowing Christ we are dead in our transgressions (Ephesians 2). To be alive, we are able to do things, to work for the purpose in which we are made us alive in, that is Christ. Also, I linked another post from a brother from Ephesians 4, that states how serving is key to attaining full maturity in Christ.

I remember hearing from some brother in CCF about the definition of serving: "the outward expression of God's goodness in us".

Something similar to the idea of spiritual breathing, in which we seek God through prayer and Scripture, deepening our relationship with Him (inhaling). This leads to signs of character transformation and action (exhaling). The key is that we work relying on God.

Personally, serving has been impacting in my life:

• Allows me to get to know fellow brothers and sisters in a deeper level
• Challenges me to know the Bible more
• Molds my character through experiences, mistakes, difficulties
• "Forces" me to truly rely on God
• Provides knowledge of my gifts, strengths, and weaknesses
• Generates abundant pure joy

It comes down in privilege. God doesn't need us to do His work. But He chose to let us co-partner with Him in His Kingdom work. He called us to be set apart for His work.

I believe I have the gift of service, and I am all for serving God and His people. But in my journey, I have found weaknesses and I learned my lessons:

• I should not serve only out of duty or out of need
• Serving more ministries does not make me superior or more righteous than others
• My identity is not based on the ministry I serve in, but on what Christ did on the cross
• Merciful heart is better than sacrifice
• I need to keep in check my pride when serving
• I should not worship my ministry