Service: Growing in Favor with God and Mankind in the New Year.

 

Service: Growing in Favor with God and Mankind in the New Year

In this new year, one key to being glorified and settled is service. As children of God, His plan for us is to grow just as Jesus did. 

In Luke 2:52 (NIV), we read: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." God's will for us is to grow in both wisdom and stature. To experience favor, we must render good service to God and humanity. While God is the ultimate blesser, He often blesses us through others. As His children, we are called to excel, as our excellent God demands excellent service from us. Our service to God and mankind is an essential aspect of our growth and glorification in this new year.

Service to God

Service to God involves using our time, talents, skills, body, resources, and lives to honor and worship Him. It is a way of showing the Lord that we love and fear Him. Service done with genuine intent (out of rhema) brings good results, while service done for show (eye service) does not.

Service to God includes:

1. Worship: Giving praise, reverence, and adoration to God through prayer, songs, and acts of devotion.
2. Obedience: Following God's instructions consistently and seeking to live according to His will.
3. Spiritual growth: Building an intimate relationship with God, recognizing that our lives are His, and seeking His purpose and will through prayer.
4. Serving in God's household: Using our skills, resources, and bodies in various ministries, including financial support for kingdom advancement.

Service to Mankind

Service to mankind is our way of reflecting God's love through our lifestyle. We were not created for ourselves, but to be a blessing to others. To truly serve mankind, we must love intentionally—not out of compulsion—and seek ways to make a difference in the lives of those around us, one person at a time.

Our service to mankind can take many forms, such as:

• Help: Providing assistance to those in need.
• Compassion: Showing empathy for others, especially in times of difficulty.
• Evangelism: Sharing the gospel of Christ with others.
• Justice and fairness: Advocating for those who are oppressed or marginalized.

Service requires an excellent mindset, as there will be times when we may feel unappreciated or discouraged. However, the ultimate goal is to win the earth for Christ through our service.

Excellence in Service

In serving God, only the best is expected of us. Those with a spirit of excellence provide the best service to Him. Serving God involves paying attention to details, being conscious of His instructions, and obeying promptly. Service to God is not mere religion; it requires eagerness to learn and grow in knowledge of Him.

When it is within our power, we should also consider joining a service unit in our local church so that the Lord will bless and increase His children.

Do have a lovely year.

Stay revived!