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When I first surrendered my life to Jesus, making Him Lord of my life, I didn't know what to do. thankfully I was surrounded by mature believing women who said to serve. there was always and need and so they plugged me into the decorating committee of the women's retreat. I served in this capacity for 2 years even though it wasn't really my thing. At the time, as a new believer, selfish as all getup and not knowing a darn thing about putting others first, serving in any capacity was just what I needed. It wasn't my gifting. It wasn't my calling. There was a need and I served a purpose in filling it. Sometimes serving is as simple as that. 

After a couple years of using a hot glue gun to attach lace to varies oddities the Lord called me to Jr. High ministry. There was a calling. There were gifts being used. There was growth, excitement and purpose. When I started having babies I served my family most and filled in small gaps at church when needed. Eventually I was called back into ministry and lead ministries and taught women. 

Serving looks different to different people in different seasons. There is always a need and always something that needs to be done and/or someone who needs help. Do not talk yourself out of serving because:

• you think you are too busy
• you think you have no gifting
• you don't like people
• you are too shy to ask how you can serve. 

There are many great reasons to serve, but today I give you 5 of my favorite. 

1. You are being a good steward of God's grace and your gifts: 

God has giving you giftings...special strengths He wants to use to bless others. Even if you are at a loss as to what they are you can be confidant you are needed. There are people who make coffee and sweep floors. There are people who pray and send cards. There are teachers and small group leaders. Servants are needed at your church. I can almost guarantee it. Fill a need, even if it isn't what you see yourself doing. Fill a need. You will grow and leadership will see your faithfulness in small things.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. "Amen."

2. Serving is a great way to show love: 

One of my favorite pastors used to say, "Love is an action. Do the action and the feeling will follow." 

If love is an action than serving is a great way to love people. Sometimes people need actual helping hands! When we love by serving we share the love of Christ to everyone who is watching. 

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. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

3. Serving practices humility. 

A wise man once said, "humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less, " and I agree with him. True humility comes in learning to think of others before yourself. We are called to look out for the interests of others and have a like mind with other believers. 

 "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,"

4. Serving glorifies Christ over self:

Our time is such a huge commodity these days. How we spend our time reflects what we love most. Spending our time doing kingdom work shows we are putting the needs of Christ and His bride even before our own selfish desires. We have responsibilities to God which include family, of course, so we are not to neglect our family, but be good stewards of our time. 

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." 

5.Contributing to the needs of the saints shows hospitality:

Many Christian Americans today have lost the art of hospitality. I suppose it's because we are so self serving. Giving one others need...hospitality. Love by filling the needs of the church body. 

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." 

I must end this post with a caveat...not every season of your life with be one of serving weekly in your church. If you are in a season of rearing young children or unwell, then let the body serve you. However, if you are able bodies and using life as an excuse to not serve, then please, stop it.

One of the principles I try diligently to imbed into my children's sweet minds is that "helping" is not doing what we want, but "what needs to be done." Does that mean we are not always serving in our specific "calling?" Yes. You purpose may be to fill a need. Do what needs to be done and know the Lord will provide you with the capabilities you need to do the job well. 

So, let's all serve to the best of our ability in line with the season of life we are in!!! 

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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries.

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