The Joy of Serving

Our scripture today has been a favorite of mine since I taught a girls’ club called Missionettes when we were first married.  There were several scriptures relating to salvation, healing and living a victorious life. The girls learned these as they climbed what was called the Stairway to the Stars. They studied the lives of Susanna, Tabitha, Anna and Ruth. 

“Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” spoke of those biblical ladies who lived lives of dedication to God.  (Galatians 6:2 KJV)

When I think about this scripture, I think about the many people around me who need help, or who need someone to help them carry their burdens.

There is a song written in the 1980s by Greg Nelson and Phil McHugh, and made popular by Steve Green in 1995, which describes this truth.  I tried to learn to sing it but because of its different timing, I was never able to master it; however, the words were and still are very appropriate.

The authors were trying to write a song one morning and had not settled on anything, so they decided to go to a restaurant near their office in Nashville.  In the restaurant they received the message they needed to write the song.  As the waitress waited on them, even though she tried to be cheery, her eyes were empty and her face seemed to say something else.  They looked at each other and said “She needs the Lord.”   As they looked around they saw many other people who looked the same way.

They went back to their office and wrote the following words:

Every day they pass me by, I can see it in their eye;

Empty people filled with care, headed who knows where.

On they go through private pain, living fear to fear.

Laughter hides the silent cries only Jesus hears.

Chorus:

People need the Lord. People need the Lord.

At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door

People need the Lord, People need the Lord.

 

“Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  This scripture describes this church.  You have shown your love and concern for the people of this community through many kind deeds to those who are hurting financially, physically, and even emotionally, by your prayers, the Prayer Shawl ministry, and the encouragement cards you send.  Kathleen was overwhelmed by the beautiful notes of encouragement she received this past week before surgery; the card we received from Johnnie last week….  My message today says “Keep up the good work and continue to seek other ways to minister.”

There is no joy greater than the joy of serving!  Many times we may serve out of duty or guilt, but the real joy comes when we know we are doing what the Lord wants us to do and we can’t be happy unless we are doing it.

We watched the story of the late Mother Teresa last Wednesday evening.  She went to Calcutta, India to work among the poor people of the city and find a way to help them.  She was met with resistance, not only by the Catholic Church, but also by the people of Calcutta who thought she was trying to make all the people she ministered to into Christians. They were Muslins and Hindus. 

They stormed the shelter she had set up with outrage of cries that she must leave.  She was persistent as she bound up the wounds of the sick.  She said very directly to the leader of the mob, “I am a Christian and I must be the best Christian I know how to be.  Muslims must be the best Muslims they can be and Hindus must be the best Hindus they can be.”  He went out to the crowd and said, “Until your wives and daughters can do what she is doing, she will stay, so go home and let her be.”  She refused to take money for herself but believed God to always take care of her needs and He did in miraculous ways.   She was definitely living out the scripture of Galatians 6:2.  “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  She could not find joy doing anything else.

How did Mother Teresa know this is what she was supposed to be doing?

She explained it to one of the Fathers this way.  “I have been talking to Jesus and this is what He wants me to do.” 

How do we know what we are supposed to be doing to help other people bear burdens?  The same way Mother Teresa knew, we must talk to Jesus and He will tell us.

There are many good causes out there.  We are constantly called with opportunities to give.  We often see people sitting by the side of the road with signs begging for food.  How do we know what to do in these situations?  It is obvious that some of these are not legitimate and even if they are, can we give to everyone who asks? 

This is why we stay on our knees very close to His feet so we can hear His voice and know His direction for us.  I believe each of us has unique abilities and ministries that we need to follow.  We will not have true joy until we find out what that is.

I was truly blessed by the retirement party that my office gave me on Friday and I was especially blessed to see many of you there.  I knew when I went to work at the Health Department 25 years ago that was where I was supposed to be and I had joy in serving there, but I also know it was time for me to leave that field and serve in another that will also bring me joy in serving.  If I do not have joy in serving, I cannot serve with joy!

I received a card the other day and it made me teary-eyed so I hope I can read it to you without crying, but I believe it is so true.

 

Please allow me the privilege of rephrasing it for us today.

Let's take time ...

Time to discover our unique talents and abilities

Time…to enjoy the fruits of our labor and our leisure

Time…to see His purpose unfolding in every stage of our lives

Time…a gift from God

My message to you today is, “Stay close to Jesus, rely on the Holy Spirit to direct you in your unique ministry, and when you find it, share it with us so we can help you with it.”

Sincerely yours.

Roberta