Expected to Serve

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10

In 1 Peter 4:10, Peter uses the word, “each,” when addressing his audience. That word, “each,” also means, “every.” This is an all-inclusive statement. No one gets left out. Each of us, every one of us, is expected to serve others. We never get a vacation or break from this life of service. You may have a 9-to-5 job, but serving God is not a 9-to-5 proposition. It is 24/7.

Service is not just what you do; a servant is who you are when you become a follower of Jesus Christ. Serving is not just an action; it is an attitude. You should have serving hands because you have a servant’s heart. When Peter said this, he didn’t know what the particular gifts and abilities of the people in the church were. He had no idea what that person could do or this person could do, or what that person’s passion was, or what that person’s interest was. He just said, “Each of you should be serving others.” That should teach us an important truth: God can use anybody who is available; He can’t use anybody who is not.

If you understand how Jesus served you, then you will understand that serving is not what you have to do, it is what you get to do. This is why the psalmist said in Psalm 100:2, “Serve the Lord with gladness!” We should not only want to serve others, but also do it gladly, willingly, and with joy in our hearts.

Remember, Jesus didn’t die on the cross for His sins; He died on the cross for our sins. He didn’t come to be served; He came to serve. The disciple’s life is a life of service; and God expects His people to serve joyfully and gladly.

Dear Lord, I want to live my life serving others joyfully and gladly. Please help me to have a joy-filled attitude whenever I have the opportunity to serve others so that I might honor and glorify you. In Jesus' name, amen.