God is faithful to give me a word and scripture for myself each year. Last year, I learned more deeply about His Fatherhood and being His chosen child. This year, the word is service, but it is couched in my attitude about serving.
In 2018, I heard that I owed seven years of sabbaths. I had not been kind to myself since graduating high school, pushing myself mostly without emotional rest and sometimes without sufficient physical rest. God taught me that rest is critical to my wellbeing, and I believe I now understand how to choose to rest appropriately. I choose to go to bed at night when I need to, not when I want to, and I also choose rest for my soul by not pushing to accomplish my list every day. Sabbath is on my calendar each week. I see my accomplishments with new eyes, finding joy and peace just as the scripture promises.
Our senior pastor also got the same word for our church. On the surface, it seemed redundant since our church partners volunteer in many ways. Many places, 20% do 80% of the work, not so at our fellowship. No matter the age, if members are able, they volunteer in service to our church, to outside organizations, and to the community.
I did get a hint of warning from the scripture. Living a good life with peace and joy by the leading of the Holy Spirit is what pleases God and confers approval from other people. I was impressed to continually evaluate and make sure that my service is not only good but brings peace and joy. If we are all serving with peace and joy, harmony and unity of the church results, building up one another to increase the kingdom of God. As others see our unity and love, they will be drawn to Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 14:17-19 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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