If you are reading this, think about what a blessing it is to have the ability to read!
You have eyes to see, and ears to hear. You have communication functionality, and so many more gifts that God has given you to be who you are in this world.
We just finished the annual celebration of Thanksgiving, and we do have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed us, each in unique ways, so let’s allow ourselves to be the best that God has designed us to be.
In a previous blog I shared my journey of learning about obedience, submission, and giving my cares to God. God continues to teach me. As part of this journey, He has been sharing with me what it means to serve.
Learning to Serve
To be able to serve is such a blessing: whether that is helping a neighbour, a friend, or anyone who crosses my path. You can serve in so many ways and the neat thing is that when you are willing to serve, and do it without any conditions or expectations, it turns out to be the best growing experience for yourself and so helpful for others. I encourage you to use the gifts you have, and be “out there” with them, whether it is baking something, building something, fixing something, researching something, writing something, teaching something! I am so impressed by God and how He designed us to help one another.
Shower the blessings that God has given you to others; whether it is your time, your ability, your expertise or your money. Giving and serving are opportunities to expand the relationship we have with God, to others. This whole thing starts with having a servant heart, and that is the way that Jesus led: He was, and is, our real role model for this servant heart.
I have gleaned many helpful truths from a book called Lead like Jesus, by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. They reveal some strong principles about the leadership Jesus modelled while he walked the earth, including why we should look at His example, and how his leadership makes such a difference.
So why lead like Jesus as a servant leader?
· to embrace a life-purpose of loving and serving God
· to seek God’s Kingdom first
· to put the love of Jesus into action
· to model Jesus to others
You can make a difference by being an effective servant leader when you:
· provide better service
· provide better leadership
· close the gap between success and significance
The thing about being a servant leader is that servant leadership is a command. Remember that Jesus knows the business you are in, so allow Him to lead you! It is all about your heart, your head, your hands, and your habits, according to Blanchard and Hodges.
So in honour of this time of year, when we have the food bounty, let’s not forget the source of all we have and all we can give: God, our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
Keeping it Simple
Let’s celebrate doing business with God, and through Him, become all He has made you to be.
Remember to simply be you when you are surrounded by others who are doing things that may not line up with your values, your present capabilities, or your own unique ways.
You are on a mission. Allow God in you to shine.
Be thankful. Celebrate His new life in you by being the person made for God’s pleasure. Be obedient to His way. Bless others with the GIFTS you have been blessed with! Be generous with your special gifts. It will make both you and God smile!