"The Service"?

A visitor slipping into a pew next to another individual asked, "When does the service begin?" To which he received the response, "The service begins as soon as the assembly ends."

Above the inside of the front door of our building is posted the following statement so it may be seen as the building is exited: "As You Leave This Building You Are Entering The Mission Field." Though leading a prayer, helping with the Lord's Supper, giving of our money, teaching a class, or encouraging one another may be acts of service, we must guard against thinking our SERVICE TO GOD remains at the building. Is our Christianity confined to what goes on a few hours each week in the confines of those walls? As Jesus "went about doing good" ( Acts 10:38) during His ministry here on earth, we are to recognize the daily opportunities that are ours to serve to the glory of God.

Though our assembly together is significant in keeping us on track, having opportunity to collectively praise God and be refueled by the Word for godly living, that is not the end of the significance of Christian living. When Jesus provided one of His end time parables, He drew attention to the significance of SERVICE TO OTHERS; to the hungry, thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner. He then stated. . .

"And the King will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BROTHERS, YOU DID IT TO ME.'" ( Matthew 25:40 ESV)

James noted this kind of service as significant when he wrote. . .
"RELIGION that is PURE and UNDEFILED before God, the Father, is this: to VISIT ORPHANS AND WIDOWS IN THEIR AFFLICTION, AND TO KEEP ONESELF UNSTAINED FROM THE WORLD." ( James 1:27 ESV)

Purity of life and devotion to worshipping God are significant. However, God also expects us to connect in SERVICE TO OTHERS. Though the message of salvation in Jesus needs to be shared, there are others needs we can serve to meet along the way. That is part of the good our Lord went about doing. May we strive to be like Him.

Have a great day CONTINUING IN THE SERVICE!
Carl

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