Serving the Lord through practical ministry opportunities is NORMAL for followers of Jesus Christ. If every Christian served in some capacity in their local church, the church could be more effective in making Christlike disciples. Albert Schweitzer remind us, "The only ones . . . who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Early in my Christian experience I learned the joy of service. I was 16 years old and our youth group went to the hospital to sing Christmas carols. We met an older lady who was very "ugly on the inside". We sang to her and prayed with her even though she did not want us to do it. I was so moved by the Holy Spirit that I began to visit with her everyday. I did not really understand then what was happening to me, but I do now. I FOUND THE JOY OF SERVING AND BEING USED BY GOD!
When we get our hands dirty in God's service, we experience His grace in a special way. If you find your life boring, unfulfilling, or just the ho hum status quo, try service! Phineas F. Bresee, the founder of the Church of the Nazarene said, "Instead of taking a man out of service and burden bearing for men, the religion of Jesus makes him the servant of all, and as far as possible he bears the burdens of all." This burden is not like any other burden. It is one that is carried by Jesus through the Holy Spirit in our life. When we embrace service as a life style the burden becomes joy as we are used to serve the LORD!
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