In Ephesians 2:10 we read “for we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” What does it take to serve? Really, what is the big deal about serving others? For many people, this is a job description. Nothing fancy, just a job. But in terms of God’s kingdom, service has a whole different, and eternal, meaning. Recently, Bill had the opportunity to share a bit of his mom’s testimony at our school’s chapel service. She passed away on June 1, 2010 of liver cancer after a mere 3 months of illness. The focus was not on her passing, but rather her impact before and after. After accepting the Lord later in life, she still battled a whole host of illnesses, including diabetes. Yet, during that time, she did her best to “live a life worthy of the calling to which [she] had been called.” Eph. 4:1 Her daily prayer and assistance she gave to one of my siblings who struggled with life issues helped turn my sister from a person who had “issues with God” to one who actively serves and loves the Lord.
The fact is, we don’t always know the why’s about our circumstances, or about those who are a part of our lives, but in reality, everything happens for a reason. Often mom would say “I have no idea why God hasn’t taken me home yet; I suppose He still has something for me to do.” One of those tasks, I am convinced, was to love my sister all the way to Jesus. Mom’s selfless attitude and willingness to help and pray for those around her left a legacy in both her children and her grandchildren. It was evident, and now will continue to live on in her children, grandchildren, and beyond.
So, the message to our Grace students, and perhaps you, the reader, was simply this: Look at those around you. What would it take to serve them? A smile, a kind word, a helping hand to open a door? None of those will cost you a thing. Maybe even a “Hello, what’s your name? Nice to meet you!” Perhaps the very person sitting next to you in class next period is one reason God called you here to Grace. Maybe that difficult person at your workplace is placed in your life for your benefit, and theirs. If God took the time to create YOU, created to do good works, honor Him this year by serving others in those situations He prepared in advance for you.
