Service

When I was preparing for today's Sunday School, I had options. The one that won out was on the theme "Called to Serve". It was based on the fore-telling of Jesus' birth to His mother. At first I was a bit hesitant to go back over the story we heard so many times just a few weeks ago, but it wasn't up to me.

What did we get from the lesson?

• Faith - Mary was clearly terrified by the sudden appearance of angels (an uncommon occurrence). But she clearly had the faith to overcome whatever fear she may've felt by the news.
• Courage - In that very patriarchal society, the woman is the one at risk of being stoned to death for being pregnant before marriage. This was not far from Mary's consciousness. And yet, she was determined to fulfill her destiny.
• Willingness - If there is anything we have in abundance, it's choice. And to serve is exactly that. God knew Mary was willing to carry out that awesome task, and she certainly didn't disappoint. The bottom line - service must be done because we want to and not because we are forced to. 
• Purity -  Nobody is perfect, but it must be something we strive for. Apart from being a virgin (the extra level of purity God sought for His son), she was pure in heart...not sinless, but lived as best she could to honour God. 
• Selflessness - If one is serving for their own benefit, can it be called service? I think not. It must be motivated by the people who will reap the rewards. 
• With a smile - this was not a direct part of the message, but being willing to serve should come with a smile. I believe that Christians must be among the most joyous and friendly people on this earth, especially in service.

It was a pleasant thing to see that the message from the speaker just a few hours later was on the same topic. The main text was Ephesians 4: 1-16. The lessons built on (for me and student I hope) what we did earlier.

• Service may require more than the talents we think we have. It may just require us to step out in faith. Consider Moses -  he was not an orator or man of many words (which he pointed out to God very pointedly), yet God used him to do wonders in that very manner. 
• For growth in the Kingdom, we must all play our part. God give us what we need to fit together as one whole.
• Gifting and calling without preparation is invalid. Preparing is more than identifying a gift but equipping oneself. In service to God, this is about studying and digesting God's Word and praying.
• Unity is key! One may not always agree, but we must respect each other. When we do this, we will grow to love each other.
• Love. This is more than just saying you love your neighbours. It's in how you correct or uplift or give or help to bear burdens. It's more than singing a song "God, we love You!". It's in how we obey His commands. 

When I reflect on all this...wow! It's a pretty high standard to live by. But the beauty of it all - I'm not doing it in my own strength. Service, whether at work or church or to those around me or elsewhere, is becoming more and more a part of who I am. I struggle at times to do it right, but that's part of growing...and the adventure :-).

Seeking His Kingdom in this way won't be easy, but certainly will be worth it. Selah.