Read Matthew 20:26-28

At a local high school is a sign on the wall near the exit that reads: “GO AND SERVE.” It is a reminder that after you graduate, your job is to serve. Serving as a Christian includes listening, honesty, being trustworthy and using our spiritual gifts (Romans 12).

Serving is a great thing to do: Jesus said, ”whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matt. 20:26b).

Listen to the heart of other people! Part of serving is the intentional effort to listen to others: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9b.

A servant must have integrity and be trustworthy: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:10). SO BE HONEST IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE!

To achieve Jesus-style success as a servant, be sure to model your life after Jesus and share his vision: “If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me.” (John 12:26).

Sometimes we will work with those who are not interested in serving Christ. In that common situation, just stay poised and patient. Just be yourself. Work hard. Do not be a slacker. Be punctual. Do not gossip. Never use profanity. Model Christianity.

We all have different spiritual gifts given to us by God and can use them while serving. Some of the examples from Romans 12 would be serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, giving generously, leadership and showing mercy. There are many others. Do you know yours?

I know of a person who has the spiritual gift of teaching and he is a high school teacher. Here is a statement from one of his students: “Throughout my years in this high school, Mr. ____has been there for me day in and day out. Whatever the case may be, it may be about sports, life or whatever questions I wanted to ask him, he was always there with an answer. Thank you Mr. ______ for inspiring me and making me a better student and a better man.”

Be yourself! Use your spiritual gifts that God has given you.

Tom Weckesser

Questions to consider:

1-Do you know your spiritual gifts? Take an online test.

2-How can you serve others right where you are?