This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of Rooted – Grounded in Service (CLICK HERE)
When we have the right mindset, we ask the right questions. When we ask the right questions we get the right answers. When we have the right answers we are able to implement the right behaviors.
What do I mean?
Our sinful nature wants us to have the mindset that everything we have in life is ours. It’s our time…our money…our careers…our resources etc. This mindset leads us to ask the question, “What do I want to do with my….?” We navigate life as stewards of our own belongings and manage them for what is in our own best interest. It’s understandable. It’s natural. But it leads us to view service as in imposition or invasion into our time and resources. As a result we don’t see service to the Lord through his church as something that is desirable, but rather an obligation or duty that we have to fulfill to get back to what I want to do.
The Spirit of God desires to create in us a new mindset, not a mindset of selfishness, but one that sees everything we have as a gift from God. When God’s Spirit helps me understand that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it and that my times are in God’s hands, I begin to realize that my life, resources, gifts and talents are all on loan from God. When this mindset takes place, I begin to ask a different question, “Lord, what do you want me to do with your stuff that you have entrusted to me?” I see myself as a manager of the Lord’s time, money, and gifts and desire to use them as he desires me to. The Apostle Peter put it this way: 1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
We are stewards of a small portion of God’s gifts, goodness and grace. He has given us life and faith to be used in service of him and to be a blessing to others.
So now I ask different questions. Lord, how do you want me to use YOUR time? Lord, how do you want me to use YOUR money? Lord, how do you want me to use YOUR gifts?
When we ask these questions, we seek God’s answers in his Word where he directs us in the use of our time, finances, gifts, etc. to use them to glorify him and serve others.
The result? My life becomes one of service to the Lord and to others. I see my part in the body of Christ gathered at my church and desire to join the effort with fellow believers to grow the impact of the Gospel in our community. I realize that the finances God has given to me are first to be given back to him as a statement of trust that he will provide with the remaining 90%. I realize the talents and gifts he has given to me are to be used to glorify him and be a blessing to others.
Service is stewardship. Service is simply doing with the time, gifts, and resources God has given to me as God has desired from me.
The result?
Well done, good and faithful servant!
Apply: What is one behavior that changes when God’s Spirit works his mindset deeper into your life?
Prayer: Lord thank you for everything you have given to me in life. Help me with your direction to use all that you have given to me to glorify you and serve others. AMEN.