Awareness Booster

What is the gain of serving our neighbor? Is it worth it?

Today's devotional comes from Galatians 5:13:

For you were called to freedom. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.

Ph.D candidates fascinate me. They have the ability and agility to research one thesis topic and become experts. I remember talking to a Ph.D student and I asked him, “So what is your research about?” And they began to unleash their intelligence on me. I'm someone who got a Master's degree, but I was blown away. How do you get so wide and deep on one subject matter for five to seven years of your life? But as I got to know him and many other Ph.D students, I grew a deep awareness of their needs.  

One of the reasons I got opportunities to meet them was because it was my way to serve the community. They wanted counseling and coaching, so I was happy to serve them by meeting them and helping them spiritually.

If I had never given my schedule to the Lord and served His people in this way, I would've never been aware of the joys and struggles of a Ph.D. student. I would've never learned how to pray for them in detail. Now, whenever I meet one, I am no longer intimidated by them, but fascinated.

We often think about the challenges of serving our neighbors first. I don't have much to give. Others are better at serving than me. If I were more "blank," then I'd serve more. I'll serve only if there is a huge need.

Galatians 5:13 reminds us that God sent Jesus to die for our sins so that we can be free! We are free to no longer live under the law. We are free to strive no longer to earn love or salvation. Instead, Jesus simply loves us. It is an illogical and radical love.

So as free people, we are called to serve people.

And when we serve, God will boost our awareness of His heart for others. I'll tell you, God wants to boost your awareness wider and deeper.

Perhaps, this week, He is moving in your heart to serve wider. Maybe it’s a person or ministry that is outside of your norm.

On the other hand, maybe God is moving in your heart to serve deeper. Perhaps, He is calling you to serve those in your circle of influence. To meet and ask them how they are really doing. As I go deeper with a few, I have found that by God's grace, they begin opening up about their past, family situations, financial struggles, and unhealthy thoughts. As I serve others in this way, God opens up my eyes and heart to feel what He feels, to see what He sees.

Friends, I want to invite you to ask, “God, where do you want me to serve?” Our next-gen ministry is looking for childcare workers and volunteers to serve in their ministries. I believe this opportunity will boost your awareness for the next generation of leaders. It will inform you of the needs and how you can contribute to what God is doing. Contact Pastor Heidi, Cristina, or Kyle if you are interested!

Pastor Sean

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