This past weekend, I served in my church and I wanted to share a post about a few things that I felt in my heart. I have to admit, I feel a little out of my comfort zone, because I don't normally open up too much about my faith, other than a short Instagram caption here and there. My opening up consists of me and my prayer journal where I open up to God in my own way. This year, I made it a point to be more vocal about my walk with God which leads me here.
“Just as each one of you has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace. Whoever speaks, is to do so one who speaks the oracles (the very words) of God. Whoever serves is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. 1 Peter 4:10-11
It's pretty clear that God gives us all gifts for two purposes: to serve others and to glorify God. Here are a few things I've come to understand through my experiences in serving over the last 19 years in my walk with God:
It's Contagious
Serving is contagious! There is a sincere joy in your heart knowing you did a good thing. Even if your task was minimal, it was and still is a part of the bigger picture. The more you surround yourself helping in your local church or community, the more you are likely to make it one of your priorities. Serving becomes part of your identity.
It Changes
Just like anything else in life, if it is not growing then its dying. I have found myself going through new stages in my life. I started my walk with God when I was 16 years old (a Sophomore in high school) serving in my youth group and since then I have been serving in many different ways. As my life was changing, so were the areas I was serving in. When we serve, it gives us the opportunity to know more about how we are created. It helps up to familiarize with our likes and dislikes, what we can do well and what we cannot. It amazes me how much we can learn about ourselves while serving others.
It Glorifies Him
Going back to the scripture I shared, Peter reminds us that in serving, it should glorify God. If someone is serving for the wrong reasons, such as getting attention, then you are no longer glorifying God. There are times when spectators may confuse you sharing your gifts as a way of showing off, but only God knows everyone’s heart and their intentions. When we serve others we are trading selfishness for selflessness, and in doing so we put aside our need to take credit for the service act. I have to remind myself to always give God credit for the gifts I put into action instead of accepting it for myself. I truly believe that God will have you stand out at the right moment. And just when you think, your acts of service or gifts is what made the difference, just remember it was to glorify God alone.
From my heart,
Crystal Cara
