“I came to serve not to be Served” the very words quoted by Our Lord Jesus in Matthew 20:28. Jesus though being the Son of God set an example that we are called and chosen to serve humanity. The word “equip” means to supply somebody/something with what is needed for a particular purpose. God created us with a purpose and we have an assignment to accomplish on this earth.
1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
Hebrews 13:21: God equips people with everything they need to do his will. He has endowed each one of us with gifts, so we can serve in His kingdom and serve humanity. Jesus taught a lot about how we should steward everything in life. One such example is the ‘Parable of the Talents’ (Matthew 25:14-30).
We see in the Old Testament how the great men of God stepped back from the calling giving reasons of inadequacy, fear of people and insecurity but how God equipped them to fulfil their assignment and accomplish His purpose.
When God called Moses to approach Pharaoh and insist that he let God’s people free. Moses was full of arguments. His questions were, who am I? What shall I say? What if they do not believe me?
Gideon doubted God’s call to deliver Israel from the Midianites, insisting he was the least of the least.
Jeremiah argued with God’s direction, stating he was only a youth and could not speak to the rebellious nation of Israel.
One of the greatest problems that churches face today is the gifts that God has given which is still unwrapped, gifts that have never been used. There may be many reasons and excuses such as I am busy, I am afraid, people will judge me, I am not holy or perfect.
Just as God equipped Moses to lead the Israelites with Aaron and his staff, Jesus equipped His disciples before sending them for the ministry with power and authority the same God will equip us too. Though we may belittle ourselves but we are like each individual an indispensable link in the chain. The chain is unbreakable only when even the smallest link holds tightly with the others. God values us and we matter in the purpose and plan of God.
How does God equips us?
1. God will use every aspect of who we are to bring about His will in our life
2. God will equip us through his Word and empower us through His Holy Spirit.
3. He may use our expertise, skills, talents and our life experiences.
How can we serve others?
1. Praying for others
2. Helping those in need
3. Encourage others through kind and affirming words
4. Exhort each other by God’s word
Why is it important to serve others?
1 Peter 2:9 Peter tells us that we have been handpicked by God for a purpose. If God has called us from darkness into His light now we need to be the light in our workplace community and family. We live in a fallen and a broken world, God looks upon His chosen to be a beacon of hope and to shine.
Matthew 5:16. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Conclusion: As good stewards we are responsible and faithful with the gifts, talents and all the resources entrusted to us by God. In other words, everyone needs to serve. God has equipped each of us with a gift. The question is are we using those gifts to serve Him by serving others?
Let us be intentional and consistent about using the gifts and abilities God has given us for we will be accountable when we stand before God on the judgement day.
