Serving Is How We Grow
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”Ephesians 4:11–13 (KJV)
Many of us wait to serve until we feel mature enough. When I know more, when I’ve got my life together, then I’ll help. Paul puts it the other way around.
God gave leaders to the church “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Leaders equip the saints. The saints do the work of the ministry. And then comes growth: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith… unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”
Ministry isn’t the reward for being mature. It is the road to maturity. We grow by serving, not before serving.
So don’t wait until you feel ready. Find a place to serve: a classroom, a kitchen, a neighbour who needs help. You’ll learn more about following Jesus there than you ever would waiting in the pew.
Read it yourself
Read Ephesians 4:11–16. What does Paul say we will no longer be once we grow up?
What have you been waiting to feel ready for before you serve?
Lord, don’t let me wait until I feel ready. Grow me as I serve. Amen.