Service Is Not an Option

Service Is Not an Option

Read / Titus 2:11-15

Who is a servant of God? Ask the average church-goer that question and he will most likely point to his pastor or some Christian celebrity. He almost certainly will not say, "I'm God's servant." The church has a mixed-up idea that believers are separated into servants---that is, individuals in full-time ministry---and laypeople. The Bible contains no such distinction; instead, Paul reminds the Ephesians that believers are saved so that they might serve. (Ephesians 2:10)

If there were no other reasons to serve God except gratitude for salvation, that would be cause enough. We are rescued from torment and given eternal life with the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. Our service is but a small acknowledgement of the Father and Son's great sacrifice, and we have no right to withhold our gifts or time.

Many people, believers included, serve the big "I". What satisfies and pleases "I"? What is convenient for "I"? What makes "I" happy and prosperous? When a pastor appeals for help, most of his parishioners are sure he is speaking to someone else because "I" has insufficient training or a busy schedule. Here is a harsh reality: if "I" is our master, we are committing idolatry. Anything given first place over God---including selfish desires---is an idol.

Service is not an option. The Lord calls us to be servants so that we can invest our lives in an eternally valuable purpose---the salvation and discipleship of unbelievers for His glory. Our job may be insignificant or our limitations great, but we are vessels of Christ with a role in the kingdom.

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