READ 1 PETER 4:10–11. I don’t know about you, but all of these “Safer at Home” requirements have made me a little more …comfortable. It is easier to keep to myself. I’ve found myself becoming the very definition of inertia: “an object at rest will stay at rest until acted upon by an outside force.” And I know I’m not the only one. In a society where we’re becoming more and more isolated, what will be the “force” to get us out of our comfort zones and into motion? God’s Word is a great motivator, and the passage above gives us three prompts:

1. GOD COMMANDS US TO SERVE. God has given each of us unique gifts in order to benefit others. As believers in Jesus Christ, God expects us to serve, and He wants to reward us. The two faithful servants in Matthew 25 were commended for multiplying the talents God had given them. We want to hear God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

ACTION What gifts has God given you? How can you use your gifts to serve others? For example, do you like to write or draw? Perhaps you can make an encouraging note for a lonely resident in a retirement community. Often, needs are posted on community websites such as Nextdoor or our New Life Church Family Care ministry page.

2. GOD IS WITH US AND WILL HELP US. What is standing in your way of serving? Fear of failure? Unsure of where to begin? Now picture yourself as God’s coworker. God promises to be with you always (Matthew 28:20). That means you are never alone! Our Bible passage goes on to say that we serve “with the strength God provides” (v. 11). In other words, we have almighty God helping us do whatever He wants us to do.

ACTION Pray and ask God to reveal to you what needs He’s passionate about. Now, whether it be feeding the homeless, leading a Bible study, picking up trash in a neighborhood or park, raising money for a specific cause, or some other act of service, know that God is with you to help accomplish these goals.

3. WE CAN BRING GLORY TO GOD! If our main motivation for helping people is based on the needs of people, we can quickly get burned out. If we’re serving to get the praise of people, we can become prideful. Ephesians 6:7 says, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”

And Peter reminds us that we serve “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (v. 11).

When we serve others with a humble and grateful heart—acknowledging that all good things come from God—we bring God’s kingdom to earth. Our service should show people the goodness of God; then God receives the honor and praise due His name.

ACTION When you are helping someone, how can you bring God into the conversation? Think of ways you can direct people’s gratitude for your service back to Him. Let’s pray that God and His Word will continue to move us to action to bring praise and glory to God!