September 4: Insight Post by Elaine Ward
Friday Insight Post
by Elaine Ward
As we finish studying the spiritual discipline of service, I think about one of our New Hope Church heart attitudes: Do Serve, and one of our core values: Saved People Serve People. I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me, and I’ve seen how I and others benefit when I use those gifts in service to others. We were created to serve and to be in relationship with others. At New Hope Church, we encourage service and are thankful for our amazing volunteers who use their gifts in service to New Hope and our community.
With that said, there are many times that I have felt ill-equipped to serve, even though I knew God had called me to a task and given me the gifts to execute it. It may have been because I was feeling overwhelmed or tired due to the weight of daily life. Yet, in Hebrews 13:21a (NIV) God’s Word says: 21may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. I know that God has already given me the gifts I need to serve Him faithfully. I need to remember that it’s through His power and not mine that gives me strength and endurance to complete the task.
I also must remember that He expects us to accomplish tasks in community with others as we collectively bring our time, talents, and treasure to serve others. Romans 12:4-8 (NIV) reminds us: 4Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
I pray we will all continue to reflect on the spiritual discipline of service and put it into action!
Elaine Ward
Leadership Team Chair