Do you know that whenever you show up to work in the church or to volunteer for a service assignment you are really showing up for Disciple’s Boot Camp? You might think that you found some extra time and wanted to put it to good use, or that you’d like to “give back” in appreciation for all you’ve received. Perhaps you are concerned about the current state of the world or your community and you want to change things and make a difference. Be that as it may, no matter what motivation brought you to this point, it’s really God who is drawing you in.
Not only that, but you might be surprised to discover that God is first and foremost interested in changing you, not in putting you to work. Yes, you are called to be salt and light in the world but that can’t happen right away. First, God wants to start molding you into the image and likeness of Jesus and to teach you how to hear His voice. Then you’ll be able to be of real service to others. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a misguided “good deed” (“You will let me do this to you and you will like it!) you can understand why God does things from the inside out. There’s a big difference between “doing good” and “doing God’s will” and it takes training to learn the difference.
There is no question about it, you have gifts and talents that the Lord gave you for the benefit of His Kingdom and the service of others. But don’t rush out thinking you know what to do or how to serve until you check in with Him. Allow God to place in in challenging assignments so you can practice the fruits of the spirit–you know, love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, goodness, patience, humility and self-control. Demonstrate those characteristics in every situation and you’ll bring the light and love of Jesus wherever you go!