DEVOTION – DAY 355

2 Corinthians 9:12 “Service To Build Up The Church”

2 Corinthians 9:12 “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

Some Christians need encouragement to serve the Lord. They may lack the confidence and think they do not have any special gifting. But this is not true, because God gives every believer spiritual gifting to build up the Church. I always tell people that if they are uncertain as to where to begin serving, they can start by being an usher. This is a duty that many tend to overlook, but it is nevertheless important. The usher greets and welcomes people to church. It prepares them to enter the sanctuary to worship the Lord. It is work that causes people to feel welcomed and glad to be back in God’s house to worship Him. An usher is also alert to the needs of others. The usher will direct a newcomer to the Pastor or leaders of the church. An usher spends a minute getting to know the newcomer and helping them to settle in – their service is supplying the needs of others. This is something anyone can do. Being hospitable is a spiritual gift that God gives to His people. The question is whether we choose to use this gift to serve. If we do not, we miss the blessing.

The Lord brought to my mind someone who had not been regular in Church in recent months. I contacted him to find out how he was. As a result of my contact, he came to church and he brought along his wife and children. After the church service, I invited him and his family to join me for a simple lunch. Over lunch, we discovered that his wife was not yet a believer. This paved the way for us to share the gospel with her. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior during the course of our meal together. We also encouraged the whole family to be regular to attend our church. They said that they would be more regular. 2 Cor 9:12 reminds us that all service – no matter how simple will meet the needs of someone. Whether it is cheerfully helping to wash up after refreshments, or sitting next to an unsettled child in Sunday School as a helper. That child may one day grow to know Jesus as his or her Lord through the Sunday School. The Lord is able to multiply our service manifold if we are willing to be His co-workers.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you have gifted us for service. Please help us to set aside our inhibitions and to serve you in every area we can to build your church and meet the needs of others. We humbly pray in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. What are some common reasons or excuses you have for not wanting to serve in Church more?
2. How does 2 Cor.9:12-15 encourage you to serve more freely to meet the needs of others?
3. What are some additional areas in church that you could serve in from now onwards?
4. How do you see this benefitting the needs of others and building up the church for the Lord?