Laziness part 4- In Service and Church Life

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

20 Mar 2008 09:48 PM

Moving house and church can be a time to take stock and review what activities God would have us involved in, so we found. Maybe you have too? Or do you think you've done your bit and it's time to retire from God's service?

Since my husband retired from work, which prompted our move, we could have used it as an excuse to retire from serving God in our church as well. But God's work doesn't have an age when we must or should retire. So we knew we needed to be doing something but what?

Instead of jumping in, we took time to see what areas had needs and more importantly what God would have us do. Of course the tendency with this is to get comfortable, sitting back watching someone else do the work, till it gets harder and harder to motivate ourselves to action.

On the other hand, newcomers in a church can mean people are actively trying to recruit you into whatever area of ministry has a need or is their own particularly hobby horse. For us then, we needed to be sure what things God wanted us to do in our church and community. In my blog 'Blooming in the right place' I dealt with some of these issues. Since then, God has added other areas of ministry.

But, while we need to be active in our church and serving God in the areas he calls us to, we also need to know when to say 'No' We cannot, and neither should we, take on too many areas of service. The only way I know how to deal with this is to ask the Lord to make it clear which areas of ministry are right and which aren't.

Prayer is an essential ingredient before starting any ministry but also as we seek to do that ministry. We also need to ensure what we are doing is honoring to God and glorifying Him and not drawing attention to ourselves. This is especially, true where we are involved in up front ministries like teaching, preaching, leading music or prayers etc.

Over the last months God has added various ministries as we have been in the church, but I also know I need to leave time for writing which is an area God has called me to. That includes writing these blogs among other things.

So life in God's service continues to be busy. But not so busy that I don't have time to spend with Him or end up feeling resentful at the demands of church service. What about you? Have you worked out with God what areas He would have you serve Him and how best you can do this?

Maybe it's time to take stock and check that you are not slacking off in service and leaving the work to others. Or that you are not trying to do everything that needs doing and so depriving others with skills and gifts in these areas from serving God.

When we think of all Jesus did for us with His death on the cross, don't we need to respond by serving Him?

Please visit thesse related blogs

What is worship?>

Why go to church?

It's okay to say No

Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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