Sometimes it can feel impossible to serve God. We don’t feel special or qualified. But the fact of the matter is that God has given each of us unique talents, and we must discern how to use them.
[8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: (1 Peter 4:8–10)
In this section of Scripture, we can see several important components of serving. First, notice that God has given each a gift. Next, we’re supposed to use that gift to serve one another. Finally, we’re supposed to act as good stewards of God’s very grace to use on his behalf to serve others.
1 Peter 4:8–10 are good verses to commit to memory, especially for those who do a lot of serving. Let’s see what else God says about serving:
1. God does not need to be served
[24] The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, [25] nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. (Acts 17:24–25)
God does not need us to do anything for him. God is self-sustaining. God is all-powerful. Yet he chooses to have people do His work. If God wanted to evangelize the entire world, he could just say it, and then people would immediately know the Gospel and automatically be saved. But what he does is he has us—his servants, his children—go out and spread the gospel. Our participation is a privilege and a part of his agenda.
Yet God still uses us as stewards. And that’s a fundamental thought that we should always remember when we’re serving. Because once we start thinking that God needs us to do anything—that can get dangerous, and pride can grow.
2. Jesus came to serve us at the cross
[45] For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
When Christ came to earth, He came to serve other people. He did that through his ministry and miracles, but his ultimate gift—his ultimate act of service—was on the cross. Jesus is known as the suffering servant (Isaiah 53), who came to serve us by suffering at the cross as a ransom for many. That should humble us.
So when we serve, it’s not demeaning. Instead, serving is a position of honor and privilege, and we get to emulate our Savior by loving others. If you think about it, the biggest way you can serve others is to offer your life in service to that person by saying, “I’m gonna give you everything that I have.” We saw Jesus do that in his life and death—and he did it in love.
3. Serve in the strength that God supplies
[11] 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. (1 Peter 4:11)
Your attitude should not be that you are so strong, you are capable of doing this, or you are the best at doing this. Rather you should have the mindset that says God has gifted you in a certain way, and you want to draw upon his strength in order to serve other people.
Don’t start relying on your own strength, or pride will start persuading you that you’re the one who is working. In reality, it’s God who has given you your gifts, and it’s God who empowers you to serve. Pray for strength, trust that God will provide it, and then you act in faith and commit to serving—that’s how you serve in God’s strength. You commit it to him, and then you let his love be an outflowing of your work.