Skills for Serving

Summer is finally here! School’s out, and now you can do all the fun activities summer has in store for you–family vacations, amusement parks, camp, etc. You have probably spent hours planning what you are going to do with all your free time. When planning your summer, did you plan time for God? Are you going to use your time for Him this summer? Even though you may not have a car or your driver’s license, or money, you can still make time for God’s work. As stated in last month’s issue, God has made you unique. Each one of you has your own special talents. Don’t let them waste away over the summer. Use this time to build on what God has given you, to grow in Christ, and to glorify Him. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to pierce your heart for Christ.

God made us in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). Since God made us in His image, He did not make a mistake in creating us. Each and every one of us is special and unique. God has given us different personalities, looks, and skills. Some of us are more outgoing, while others like to work “behind the scenes” to get things done. Some are good teachers, while others are more creative do-ers. God made us different so we can better serve Him. If everyone was out knocking on doors to introduce people to Christ, who would be visiting the sick or making meals for the shut-ins? We each need to take a look at our self to determine our likes/dislikes, skills, and limitations. Jesus shows us the importance of this when he shares the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. (In this parable, talents refer to money.) This parable is about a man who gave his servants talents (money). To one, he gave five; to another, he gave two; and to the third, he gave one. The two servants who received five and two talents each doubled what they received. However, the servant with the one talent buried his money so he would not lose it. He didn’t try to do anything with it. When the master came back, he was pleased with the first two servants because they put forth the effort to do something with what they were given. The man was very upset with the third servant. He was so angry that he took the talent from him and gave it to the first servant.

We each have something we like to do and/or are good at. What is it that you like to do? I’m sure there are some out there who think they don’t have anything to contribute. This is NOT TRUE! Remember, God made you in His image. He didn’t put you here to do nothing. It is time to take an inventory of yourself. List the things you like to do and the things you are good at. Do you like to talk on the phone? The next time you pick up the phone to call a friend, why not call someone who is sick or shut in. They would love to hear from someone, even if it is for only 5 or 10 minutes. Do you like to shop? Next time you go shopping, ask that girl that nobody talks to to go with you. You could make a huge difference in her life. Do you like to draw or make things? Sunday School teachers would love the extra help in preparing crafts for their classes. The sick would appreciate a card, as well. Do you like to go to the movies or the park? There are plenty of moms who could use a break. Why not ask them if you can take their child(ren) to the park or to a movie. Or better yet, stay with them at their home so the mom can run errands or just get away for a couple hours. These are just a few ideas. There are plenty more that you can do. You just need to think of what it is you can do and who you can help. It may be hard at first to make a phone call or ask if you can help someone. It is often equally hard for that other person to accept your help. So be patient with them. Keep trying. Let them know that by accepting your help, they are allowing you to serve. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-36: “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me.”

God did not make a mistake in creating us. We have a purpose, and that purpose is to glorify Him in all that we do. Since God chose to create you in His image, shouldn’t you have faith in Him that you can make a difference?

Let us pray.
Dear God, my most gracious Heavenly Father. Thank you for making me who I am. Please help me to realize how precious I am to Your plan. Help me find my strengths so I can better serve You. Please give me the strength and courage to make time for You this summer, as well as all of my days. Thank you, dear Father, for loving me and trusting me to do the best I can with what You have given me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Octavia Boling

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