ENGAGE Serve
“When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these
servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that
he might know what they had gained by doing business.” (Luke 19:15)
Several Bible passages, like the one above, draw the attention of believers to a coming day when we will be called to give account of our service to Jesus Christ.
This makes it very important to pay close attention to the issue of our Christian service as the second coming of Jesus Christ draws nearer. In effect, this means that as the day of Christ's return draws nearer, so does our day of accountability. We need to work earnestly while it is day, for the night is soon coming when no man can work. (John 9:4)
Similar passages that highlight the correlation between our Christian service and the second coming of Jesus include the following:
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes." (Matthew 24:45-46)
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.... Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them." (Matthew 25:14-19)
"It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake ... lest he come suddenly and find you asleep." (Mark 13:34-36)
"And be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks." (Luke 12:36)
The Bible makes it clear that all believers have been assigned with different gifts and ministries to use for the benefit of the body of Christ and for humanity. We will be requested to account how effectively we have used these. Thus, it is the responsibility of each believer to identify these gifts/ministries and, more importantly, to fulfil them to God's high standards.
The Lord expects our service to be:
In divine partnership – “For we are God's fellow workers….” (I Corinthians 3:9)
In love – “… but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
With humility – “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think….” (Romans 12:3)
Voluntary – “… not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you….” (1 Peter 5:2)
Selfless – “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 2:21)
Resilient – “… the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.” (1 Corinthians 3:13)
Earnest – “But earnestly desire the higher gifts....” (1 Corinthians 12:31)
Zealous – “… the one who leads, with zeal….” (Romans 12:8)
According to God's rule - "An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." (2 Timothy 2:5)
To fall short of these high Biblical standards is to fall short in our preparation for His return. Our preparation for the second coming of Jesus goes beyond living right – we must also serve right.
ENGAGE Serve poses this challenge to all believers: If Christ comes today, what will you give Him - result or excuses?
Today is the day to begin to re-evaluate our service to God and be certain that we are fulfilling the specific purpose for which we were created and called into the Kingdom of God. And that we are on track and on time, waiting joyfully to give account of our stewardship to the Master.
Bible Passages
1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
1 Peter 5:1-2
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
Philippians 2:21
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:12-13
Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
1 Corinthians 12:31
But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way
Romans 12:6-8
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
2 Timothy 2:5
An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
