It is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35). The greatest giver that we have ever seen in all of history was Jesus Christ. When we consider how Jesus Christ served, a good response is awe. In Philippians 2, we see Jesus Christ humbling himself and taking the position of a servant, eventually submitting to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:4-11). All things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:15-20). Jesus Christ is the King of the universe. So Jesus Christ, Son of God, King of the universe came to earth to serve. Jesus says this as he is talking to the disciples after a mom asked him to make her sons number one and two! He talks about the gentile leaders ruling over people harshly. Christ followers who desire greatness will serve those they lead. He ends the discussion by saying that He didn’t come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:20-28). He gave up his Kingdom for a period so that we could see how we ought to live. He was the greatest example.
This is one of the best things about Christian faith. Our Leader served us and provided an example to us on how to live. He didn’t sit on his throne and demand that creation to do his work, though he could have. With all of these examples of service/contribution in Christ, why don’t we serve/contribute? Contribution flows from the heart. Contributing your time, talent and treasure is evidence of a heart that is in awe of God and what he did through Jesus Christ. When I think about serving at Veritas Church, I think about overflow of what is happening in my heart. It would be hard for me to teach swimming lessons if I didn’t like the water or wasn’t that great at swimming. It is similar with service, except water and swimming aren’t the issue, where my heart is with Jesus is the concern. When we contribute, whether it is with our family, community, school or church the best contribution of time doesn’t come out of a demand, it comes from an overflowing heart.
I remember Norma Sanders. Every week she attended a little church in Moorhead, Minnesota and sat down with her big King James Version Bible to spend time teaching an elementary kid. She didn’t have to and I’m sure she had other things to do, but she found joy in teaching and that joy was evident to us. She loved those of us in her class and had a desire to make an impact in our lives with the gospel. She was not the first person that you would have thought an elementary boy would have listened to, but she made a mark in my life. This is what we’re looking for at Veritas. Contributing isn’t just about your money or your time, but what you are doing for the Lord with what you have received from him. What does it look like to share the gospel with someone who has never heard it? We have this opportunity every week in Kids’ Ministry at Veritas Church. Kids’ ministry leaders minister to about 400 kids weekly. Each child comes from a different background, including some who have never heard of Jesus. How are you contributing from the time and talents you have been given?
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God maybe glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11