It’s Time to Get Your Serve On!

STORY: At Your Service!

I’ve got a secret remedy for insecurity. It’s the same remedy I use for when I get, as my dad used to say, “Too big for your britches.” Funny how attitudes on two opposite ends of the spectrum can have the same remedy. The reason it works is because it takes the focus off of self. Let me explain how it works for me.

When I go to national writers conferences, it’s easy to feel intimidated. There are some important people—writers and industry professionals I respect—who also attend. Sure, I’m on faculty with them, but I’m no somebody. Not like them! See how dangerous that way of thinking is? Whether I think I’m somebody or nobody, when I have my eyes on self, I’ve got the wrong focus. The only way I can go to these events and not feel insecure is to remember who I am in God, and to remember why I am there.

At the most recent conference, I asked God to help me keep the focus on Him, and on others. In order to do this, He led me to think, pray, and say, “At your service.” When I pray it, I pray, “At your service, Lord.” When I see others who might feel out of place, just like me, I say to myself as I walk over to them, “At your service.” And when others who have more clout are near me, I also think, “At your service.” God wants me to treat everyone the same, out of an attitude of truly caring and wanting to help. It all starts with recording a new internal voice. When I start by serving God, wanting to serve others soon follows. And what a joy it is!

STUDY: How to Serve God

When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.” (Genesis 17:1 NLT)

• What does it mean to serve the Lord faithfully?
• How can we live a blameless life?

Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (1 Kings 19:10 and 19:14 NLT)

• How fervent does it mean to serve the Lord zealously?
• Does it help to serve a Lord who is not only God, but He is “Almighty”? How does that affect your attitude and actions?

“Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly. (2 Kings 20:3 and Isaiah 38:3 NLT)

• How can you single-mindedly serve the Lord?
• Does what you do always please God?

I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. (Psalm 101:6-7 NLT)

• What does it mean to be above reproach?
• God doesn’t want to spend time with deceivers and liars any more than we do. Yet we know He loves them.
• Do you feel like you’re a companion of God?

“I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. (Isaiah 56:6 NLT)

• What does it mean to commit yourself to God?
• Is it easier to serve the Lord if you are committed to Him?
• What do you love about God’s name? How does that lead you to worship?

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: If you follow my ways and carefully serve me, then you will be given authority over my Temple and its courtyards. I will let you walk among these others standing here. (Zechariah 3:7 NLT)

• Why is it important to carefully serve God?
• How do you make it a priority to serve Him?

STEPS: How to Express Your Serve Language

1. Serve it forward. “Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.” (Psalm 22:30 NLT)
2. Work at serving. “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” (Romans 12:11 NLT)
3. Attitude is the thing. “If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.” (Romans 14:18 NLT)
4. Clear your conscience. “Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” (2 Timothy 1:3 NLT)

Copyright © 2018 Kathy Carlton Willis, used with permission.