Reflections on Service (Part 2)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 1st Corinthians 12:4-7, 11 (ESV)

Happy Thursday Good Shepherd! I pray that you are blessed in the Lord and feel at home in the place He has called you. Last week we talked more generally about the idea of service within the church. In our scripture today, there are two points that I want to highlight specifically in relation to that. First, God grants each of us a manifestation of His Spirit for the common good. This means that the talents, time,gifts,  and ideas that God has granted us are for the body of Christ, and specifically for the local church that we are gathered into. It isn’t so much a question of whether God is calling you to use these in service, but where and when. In our context, we have a need for youth workers, choir singers, lectors, altar servers, greeters, and of course our 50th anniversary committee. God is calling you to work for the common good of our church. Ask and you will find a place you can serve. 

The second point that I want to raise to you today is about empowerment. When I write out all the places we have need of service, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t be. The same God that has gifted you with unique talents and gifts is the same God that has promised to empower you to use them. Jesus isn’t a cruel taskmaster beating down His bride with a million miles long “honey to do” list and no help to do it. Everything that He has given us to do, He has given us the means to do it. Spend time in prayer, enjoy fellowship with the saints gathered at Good Shepherd, partake of the Sacraments regularly. Do this and God will equip you for whatever He has called you to do in this body. We’ll be back next week with some thoughts about desiring the “higher things” of God, but for now take some time and think about how you can get plugged in right away and work to the glory of God and His kingdom.

Your Brother in Christ, 
Ashton Hutchinson