We all want to be better prepared and equipped to serve Jesus. What a great joy it is to know that God, in these last days, has chosen to use us. Studying the Bible, specifically looking for those places where we learn how to serve is enriching and encouraging. Let’s look at 7 things that will help you grow in serving. I hope they take root in your heart and help to point in you in the right direction as you serve the Lord.

#1 – We serve God in His Spirit and not in our own strength.

So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (NLT)

Since there is so much practical instruction we receive on the topic of servanthood and leadership, the temptation may be to jump into serving with both feet trying in our own thoughts to simply apply facts and information. But truth is, true servanthood is Sprit led and Spirit empowered! That’s why we call it ‘spiritual’ servanthood. We serve in and by the Spirit of God. Stay open to and dependent upon the Lord and all that He wants, flowing in His Spirit, walking according to His will.

#2 – We serve God with His wisdom & not our own understanding.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Prov 3:5-8 (NLT)

A key to walking in the Spirit is living in God’s wisdom. Far less mistakes would be made. Far less people would be injured. Far less confusion would be present. Far less feelings would be hurt. If we would lean on the Lord and not our own understanding! How critical it is that we learn to not be wise in our own eyes. Only God knows exactly what we are walking into. Look to Him and trust Him for direction.

#3 – We serve God as a man or woman of the Bible!

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NLT)

One of the best things you can do to make yourself a better, more fruitful servant is to be a man or woman of one Book! The person that God uses greatly is a man or woman of the Bible. You can tell if you are by what comes out of your mouth. Do you speak the truths of God or your own ideas and popular opinions? Do you know more about your job, about your favorite actor, about movies than you do your Bible? Read your Bible every day! Looking for something to do? Read and study your Bible. There is a great lack today in our culture of reading and studying the Bible. Let that not apply to you! Need a question answered? Turn to the Bible. Giving counsel or advice? Use the Bible. Hurting people don’t need your idea or the latest thing that was shared on some popular TV show. They need God’s Word. Opinions come and go God only God’s opinion matters!

#4 – We serve God as a man or woman of prayer

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up. Luke 18:1 (NLT)

1 Thess 5:17 (NLT) pray without ceasing,

Prayer and the Bible go hand in hand. The person God uses is a man or woman of prayer. It’s important that your life is marked by praying with people, praying for people, praying for help, praying for wisdom, praying for healing, praying for discernment, praying. The key to walking in the Sprit, accomplishing the work of God is to be in constant communication with God, in prayer.

#5 – We serve God striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Prov 6:16-19 (NLT)

The effective servant of the Lord is a person who is not divisive. You’re been put in a position to help resolve issues in the Spirit, not make them worse. If you’re having problems with the pastor, with your leader, with your overseer, then go to them directly to work it out. If you’re unable to work it out, then don’t go around trying to build a case through gossip and slander. If needed, make the decision to find a more like-minded ministry and serve your heart out in ministry. Friction occurs any group of people. It’s the spiritual servant or leader that helps reduce the friction not increase it. Nothing kills relationships and churches more than division. As a servant, as a leader, be that peacemaker!

#6 – We serve God as we lay aside and crucify any prejudice.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 16:6-7 (NLT)

If you are prone to negatively prejudge people based on what you see outwardly, you need to ask God to remove that from your heart. Negatively judging someone based on their skin color, or where they live, or their tattoos, or any other outward thing is not of the Lord. Our Jesus was not a prejudiced man even though the world in which He entered, His creation was is still is very prejudiced. Even the spiritual leaders of the day were prejudiced as they exclude whole people groups based on their race. Jesus came to get us back on track. People are people! Learn to serve anyone at anytime anywhere in the name of Jesus!

#7 – We serve God willingly without murmuring and complaining!

Phil 2:14-16 (NLT) Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

It’s so sad to hear of people complaining in a church, even ours. But for those that serve and lead in a local church to complain, that’s very discouraging. Even though murmuring and complaining have been with us even since Biblical days it was then and now, a major waste of time. It doesn’t help. It doesn’t edify. It doesn’t solve anything. It quickly propels a perfectly good servant into the flesh. If you can’t serve without complaining, then please, step down and make room for someone who really wants to serve! Then go to your prayer closet and ask God to do business with your heart. If you see something that needs attention, then give it the right, spiritual, biblical attention. Fix it. Tell someone who can. It’s always wise to take the better option to be that peacemaking servant who helps to solve problems not make them worse through complaining.

I pray blessings on your ministry as you grow in His grace and knowledge!

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NLT)

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