Service and Surrender; Ephesians 2:10 by Pat Dugand, Director of Senior Adult Ministries

The most outstanding example of a servant in the Bible is Jesus Christ. He lived in humble service to others, and his entire mission centered on serving and saving humanity. Jesus served others through teaching, healing, miracles, sacrifice, and love.

 

As a voice for Senior Adults at CBC, I see service as one of the greatest gifts we can openly give to our church and community. Many of us may not have unlimited funds to donate, but most of us have some time and talents and big hearts ready to be shared either at the church or from home. Providing unselfish service is surrendering to the will of our Father. When we are believers and fully understand the concept of surrender, then our perception and purpose change. When we surrender to our Lord and Savior, when we admit our failures willingly, we are then more prepared to reach out to others in compassion and serve them. Humility, recognizing our own weaknesses, is a huge part of service! God’s gift of grace cannot be selfishly hoarded- it must be shared, or it is not grace. Grace is the basis for the Christian faith. We believe we are saved by faith through grace, totally undeserved. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given. We count on God's grace and the relationship with him which comes through that grace. So, grace is about relationships. And service is about that gift of grace and the relationships that are built as a result of it. What better way to build a relationship than serving in some small or big way with a grateful heart, reflecting the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father. Service and grace are almost synonymous!

 

1 Peter 4:10-11 

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”