Service, Part II

Can there be real meaning in a Christian's life? Yes. However, it won't happen being a couch potato or being complacent. We are the represenatives of Jesus Christ. We are the only living representation He has in the world today. We are to be like Him and He gave people hope, healed disease, freed others from demonic activity, counseled those who were in need, fed thousands, preached, and taught God's principles on love.

We are to be these things in the world. A shining light and an example to others. It takes dwelling in Him through communion, worship, love, and reading and absorbing His word and teachings. Without these things, it is impossible for us to do much for His glory. Christ said that we can do nothing without Him and dwelling in Him. The void in many people's lives is being out of touch with Christ and His love giving spirit. We were not meant to just claim our belief in Him and then sit back and be consumed with CSI, game shows, greed, ambition,work, and recreation. We are soldiers and are responsible for doing all we can for those who are less fortunate than us. All people run into hard times, even extremely rich people. The world is filled with needs. However, we can not see those needs while we are consumed with the world around us. It is impossible.

When you start looking for needs and see the oppression, injustice, hate, and poverty of the world you all of sudden realize just how fortunate you are. Then our problems don't seem so bad. Joy in Christ and spread His love. Don't wait for someone to knock on life's door looking for help but go out and seek out the need that is all around us. It may not be money; it may actually just be a little of your time and companionship.

Romans 12

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.