Spiritual DisciplinesSample

Day 4- The Joy of Serving

Discover: In Acts 20, Paul addresses the elders of the Ephesian church. He provides an overview of his ministry, sharing the hardships and trials he has faced. Yet, through it all, Paul was able to continue the ministry the Lord had called him to. He served faithfully with a humble heart and maintained joy in all that he did. Through his testimony, he encourages other believers to walk boldly in the faith and serve others as Jesus did.

Learn: In Acts 20:35, Paul encourages and challenges believers with the statement, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This statement comes from Jesus Christ Himself, the epitome of what it means to live a life of service. Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul found joy in serving others; they set aside their desires for the good of others and the advancement of the gospel. Believers today are called to have the same mindset: we are to find joy in serving the body of Christ and those around us. Our focus should not be solely on receiving from others, but on giving sacrificially. This lifestyle is reinforced in Proverbs 11:25, where believers receive the blessing of being enriched or refreshed in their walk with the Lord when they serve others. There is a great reward when we serve: the Lord grows and stretches us, conforming us to the image of His Son so that we begin to look more like Him. Therefore, following in His footsteps and serving others with joy is important for every believer in their faith journey.

Apply: At times, serving can become a chore, and we may start to serve out of bitterness or obligation. It can become routine and mundane, causing us to lose sight of its true importance. When you begin to feel the joy draining from your service, remind yourself of the "why" behind it all. Remember the calling that Jesus Christ has placed on every believer's life—to serve others as He served mankind. Pray that the Holy Spirit would revitalize your desire to serve with joy and that the Lord would reveal to you a need within your family, church, school, sports team, or wherever it may be so that you can share the love of Christ with others. Our lives should reflect that of Christ; we are to be marked by His love for others, His humility, and His desire to serve and be a light in a very dark world.

· How has serving brought you joy?

· When the joy is being drained from serving, how can we reorient our minds and hearts to prevent this feeling?

· How can you actively serve your family, church, friends, and community right now?