“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:10 ESV
I’m a teacher because I want to add value to others’ lives. But I’ve realized that a reason I feel so discontented with life is because I don’t feel like I’m adding value. Anywhere. And I recognize this because I can look back and remember the times I enjoyed living life were times I thought I was adding value, whether at work, at church, or with family and friends. It doesn’t matter if I’m told that I’m valued if I don’t feel that I’m adding value.
I feel like I add value when I’m serving, and right now I don’t feel that way. My teaching job feels like I’m a babysitter and personal assistant, keeping track of students’ schedules and getting called into meetings. I’m not adding value that I can see.
Because here’s the thing: We are designed to serve.
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28 ESV
Bonus: The original Greek meaning of servant: “one who was in a permanent relation of servitude to another one whose will was completely subject to the will of another”
“Since I am free in Christ, I have a desire to serve others in love: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13 ESV
So I ask myself:
What is my motivation for serving?
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:2-3 ESV
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for man, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
How do I serve?
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:10 ESV
You may serve in big, official ways, and you may serve in behind-the-scenes ways. You might serve on a committee, or you might be a prayer warrior (remember, we’re called to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” Romans 12:15 ESV).
What if I can’t find opportunities to serve with my gifts?
- Wait. You never know what God’s preparing for you and preparing you for.
- Ask God for opportunities that come from Him, not you serving out of stubbornness or guilt.
- Try something. I’ve stepped in to serve in areas of need, only to clearly know it wasn’t my area of gifting.
- Let others know your desire to serve. They may have ideas and knowledge of needs that are unknown to you.
Bonus thought: How do I observe and experience others adding value?
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