Blessings to you on this fall morning,
Before Jesus willingly gave His life for the word, He prayed for those who followed HIm and those who would follow Him. One of the greatest themes was that of unity. His desire is that His followers would be one with God as He is one with God. Additionally, He desires that those who follow are one with each other. This goes directly in hand with the call and blessing to love.
The Bible says that when we receive a spiritual gift, we are to use it to serve those around us. Spiritual gifts are not for our own gain, but for the gain of others.
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.
We are also to be part of the church body as Christ has told us: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The whole passage is a metaphor of how each one of us has a different purpose but how we are all to be part of the church body.
Faith is absolutely right in saying that both parts of serving in the church, behind the scenes work at the church building and working with people, are necessary. But the joy is that when the church body comes together, all areas of need in the church are able to be fulfilled!
The Great Commission is a command to serve others around us. Serving in the local church is necessary, whether the local church is where you were born, where you moved, or in a foreign country. Come, let us serve together!
Blessings & Peace,
Pastor Clarissa