I Samuel 2:18
“Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD, as a boy wearing a linen ephod.”
Samuel ministered to the Lord, as a boy. We are also to serve the Lord. Peter said in his first letter, “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another” (4:10).
He says our service should be the exercising of the gifts we’ve been given. What are the gifts? Some are natural, which fit our temperament and personality. Some people are outgoing and talkative. These would clearly be happiest engaged with others. There are plenty of places that would benefit by a friendly visitor. Possibly offering rides to those that are needy. Others are more reserved and would prefer to be behind the scenes in a support role.
Some gifts may be an extension of our profession. There are plenty that offer services at a low cost (or free) to help others. It could be through the church or outside of it.
Another category of gift include spiritual ones: prophecy, teaching, faith, service, encouragement, service and so on. These certainly are used to benefit the church. Some go into professional service. These are pastors, teachers, administrators, singers and so on.
Whatever the context, we should all be serving. Our service obviously supports those that are helped. However, the server also benefits. Jesus delivered the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. There were three servants; each were given a number of talents (money). The ones that were rewarded were those that invested their talents and got a return. The one that didn’t use the talents got in trouble with the boss. We are to use the gifts given us. We become skillful in them.
Finally, the use of our gifts is fulfilling to us. Proverbs 18:16 says, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” This verse is full of purpose and accomplishment. We thrive off of those things. We love accomplishments. We also appreciate the recognition that accompanies it.
Lord, thank You for how You’ve designed us to serve. Help us to grow in our gifts as we serve others. Thank You for the encouragement we give and receive when we serve.