clcgh.org Building The Capacity Of Christian Leaders, Equipping The Saints For The Work Of Ministry, Redirecting Straying Christians To The Sound Knowledge Of Christ
We Christians must understand that a call to follow Jesus is a call to serve. A born again Christian is not just a disciple of Christ Jesus but a servant; he serves God and humanity by his gifts, talents or abilities.
What is your service in the Lord’s church as a Christian? What is your ministry? I mean what do you do for God and His church or what is your contribution to the numerical, educational, spiritual and financial growths of the church you worship with?
Paul, the apostle, and the early Church understood that they were called and equipped to serve, using the gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit and their natural talents with their substances.
They innately felt compelled to serve for the purpose of advancing the gospel and the salvation of souls. It is not surprising, therefore, that Paul wrote, “…For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16).
The apostle meant woe to him if he did not serve Christ and His Church. You and I must have the same mindset and conviction and declare that woe to us if we do not evangelise, teach, prophesy, counsel, sing, pray, intercede, clean, usher, play the instruments and willingly give.
The early worshippers of God served, knowing the benefits they would get. In the following paragraphs, I wish to discuss three benefits Christians may receive for serving in their churches.
Serving Opens Doors
The first benefit we must pay attention to is the fact that serving in the church opens doors and creates access to prominent people. “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great” (Proverbs 18:16).
Many have been married, have secured jobs, have travelled abroad, have received promotions and dined with kings because they decided to serve with their gifts, talents and abilities. How rare privilege it is to be in the position to serve in the church of God.
Serving Attracts Recognition and Commendation
Moreover, church leaders are not blind. They see members who demonstrate genuine willingness to participate in ministry or stand with them in serving the Church of God. In other words, they recognise and commend those who commit themselves to serving in the church.
In Romans 16:1-15, Paul identifies, names and commends individual Christians and couples who, in divers ways, served in the church that was in Rome. The apostle extended special greetings to them and appreciated their services. He requested that those servants be welcomed and supported.
Serving Attracts Heavenly Rewards
Third, every born again Christian is seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2.6). In other words, true children of God in Christ Jesus are heaven bound. However, not every one will receive heavenly rewards. They are reserved for those who faithfully serve.
“Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire”
(1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
On the day of judgment those who will prove to have faithfully and obediently used their gifts and talents for the glory of God will be rewarded for their services.
The Lord Jesus speaks on this in Matthew 25:14-30. Those who diligently serve with the talents given to them, thereby making profits for God will be rewarded. They will be commended as good and faithful servants (Matthew 25:23).
Now, it is hoped that this teaching will inspire Christians to examine themselves, identify the gifts of the Holy Spirit they have received, and their own natural talents and see how they can serve in their churches for edification and the glory of God.
By James Quansah
