Strength is for service, not status - Romans 15:1

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status.” Romans 15:1 (The Message)

Service is an interesting concept, especially in this day and time. Even volunteers are requesting a job description before getting involved and giving of their time.

I remember a time when an individual could go to a department store and there were individuals behind the counters ready and eager to meet your needs. When you pulled into a gas station at least one or more individuals would come to your car to service its needs – check the tire pressure, check the oil, wash your windows, pump your gas. If you got into an elevator a real live individual would take you to the floor of your choice, as well as announce what you would find on each floor. Possibly you can remember other places where service was important, but the times have changed.

But not today … oh, no … it is all about self-service, automated answering machines with their “punch 1 for this service” or “punch 2 for that kind of service.” It can take as much as 5 minutes or more before you get to speak with a real live individual and then, they probably do not have enough knowledge to give you the assistance that you really need. Or, their English is so messed up that you simply hang-up in total frustration. The times have changed and service isn’t important any longer.

Life has simply gotten too impersonal. Nobody really cares anymore … or at least it would seem that way.

This mentality is spilling over into the church. We have no problem getting individuals to write a check for this ministry or that outreach program, but getting them to actually give of their time and energy is totally another matter.

E. Stanley Jones was traveling by train in Europe. He always had to be doing something so he was reading his Bible. A Russian actress asked, “What are you doing?” “I am a Christian and I am reading the Bible,” was his response. She asked, “Why?” His response was, “You tell me.” She said, “You are a coward. You need God to hold your hand.” Dr. Jones shared, “Yes, you are probably right when I first became a Christian. But now I only ask him to strengthen my arms so that I can serve.”

We are made for service. We are designed to give ourselves away. We are shaped by the Holy Spirit to be a channel of love and mercy for the sake of others. We are designed to give ourselves away. If we seek to preserve and hold on to what we think is ours we will find in the end that there is nothing left to hold on to. While, if we give ourselves away, unselfishly and extravagantly, we will discover the secret of the Kingdom of God – a storehouse of energy and love that can never be emptied … because he strengthens our arms for service and our spirit with compassion for others.