My friend Amy told me about a man in her apartment complex who greets her from his wheelchair whenever she comes or goes. Joe recently shared with her how the desire of his heart was to serve the Lord in some way, but because of his disability, he didn’t feel that he had anything to offer that the Almighty could use.
Then Joe proudly pulled out of his collar a lanyard bolding proclaiming the word, “SECURITY.” His pastor had sensed Joe’s need to serve and offered him an official position on the church security team cruising around in his electric wheelchair making sure everyone stayed safe. Joe was absolutely thrilled.
It reminded me of a man at the church I once attended who served as greeter, shaking the hand of everyone who entered the sanctuary. The unusual thing was that Pete had severe rheumatoid arthritis and both his hands were markedly deformed, the wrists bent at 90 degree angles and fingers gnarled into tight balls. Yet he faithfully manned his post week after week, month after month, serving the Lord by greeting worshippers with a warm smile and fist bump.
Got me to thinking about that term, “serve the Lord.” What does it actually mean? And why does it bring believers such joy and fulfillment?
After searching over 100 verses in the Bible related to serving the Lord, I discovered some (of many) benefits from service (all from NKJV):
- Whole hearted dedication – Deut. 10:12 – “Serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
- Obedience comes from reading His Word and listening for His still, small voice of guidance – Joshua 24:24 – “The LORD our God we will serve and His voice we will obey.”
- We find truth in the midst of the world’s lies; we focus on gratitude for what He has provided, rather than yearning for what we don’t have – 1 Samuel 12:24 – “Fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.”
- Develop a lifestyle of joy and gladness – Psalm 100:2 – “Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.”
- We have the assurance of heaven – Colossians 3:24 – “Knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
It occurred to me that serving the Lord comes in many different sizes and shapes. Joe may not have realized it, but he’s already serving the Lord by befriending people like Amy right where he lives. His bright smile and friendly words shine the light of Jesus into the dark world, and no doubt lighten the loads of everyone who passes by him.
So how do you serve the Lord, my friend? How do you give back in gratitude for all He’s given you? We’d love to hear from you.
I love this reminder??
My heart is smiling because of the photo you posted of your dear, sweet mother! I always enjoy, learn from, and am inspired by your posts, but my surprise at seeing your mom today really flooded me with wonderful memories. Right now I have happy tears in my eyes as I think of walking to her desk during 8th grade history class with a note to excuse me for an orthodontist appointment. Unfortunately, it was a standing, bi-monthly appointment and after a while it became kind of comical as I handed her the note and she would cock her head to look at me and say, “Again!?!?” Then, as an 11th grader in a gym class of 9th and 10th graders, her words during a basketball game have stuck with me for 60 years: “Bobbie, you’re as clumsy as a bull in a china shop!” Guess I should be proud that I am a prime example of that old saying! It really didn’t offend me, because she was right! I have other special memories of her even before 8th grade and then long after 11th grade as we taught together for a few years and also stopped to chat on the sidewalk on Raiford Road, in the grocery store, etc. My husband, who was also a student of hers, and I loved and appreciated the friendship we had with your mom long after our school days were over. Thanks for this special surprise this morning!
Awww, Bobbie Sue – thanks for taking the time to comment. I miss Mama so much. When I was writing about serving, she was the example that popped into my head. She was all about serving others. I don’t think a day went by that she didn’t say, “What can I do to help you?” She was a great example of living your faith out loud in service to others. And she sure thought the world of you and your family. Hugs to you, my friend!
Fun photo memory. I enjoyed the encouragement, as always!