Why do we serve?

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Last week our Northern VA/DC FCA staff once again had the privilege to take a couple of days away for our staff retreat to pray, dream, and plan for this upcoming ministry season.  Before the retreat, I was asked to lead a staff devotion on morning on serving.  Serving is one of FCA's 4 Core Values (along with Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence).  As I prepared for what I would share, I reflected on the details of Who we serve, why we serve, and how we should go about serving.  Here are some of the thoughts I shared with our group:

Why do we serve?
-It’s why we were created:
Ephesians 2:10 à “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
-Because Jesus did:
John 12:25-26 à “Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”
If our goal is to reflect God's love to other people, we must behave the way Christ himself did while He walked this earth.  We will show others that we are His disciples by the way we love one another.  
How should we serve?
-With humility:
Philippians 2:3-4 à “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
-Without complaining:
Philippians 2:14-15 à “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
-Out of Christ’s supply
Galatians 6:9-10 à “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.”

Oswald Chambers said, “Continually look back to the foundation of your love and affection and remember where your Source of power lies. You have no right to complain, ‘O Lord, I am so exhausted.’ He saved and sanctified you to exhaust you. Be exhausted for God, but remember that He is your supply.”

If we’re feeling burdened or exhausted in serving, maybe it’s because we’re trying to do it all in our own strength instead of going back to the Source.  Just like on an airplane, when they tell you in case of an emergency, put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, we need to make sure we are being filled up by the Author and Creator of Life so that we have the energy to pour out to others. 
Sunrise over the bay!

Hanging out on the dock

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