While we do not, and cannot, earn God’s free gift of salvation, He intends that as His children we should live a life of purity and good works.1 God planned that His people should carry the story of His love (Good News of Good Things) to the whole earth. Everyone needs to hear of the great grace of God. His desire is that His people give themselves to this task.2
Because as Christians we face the triple enemy of the world, the flesh, and the devil, it is impossible that by ourselves (in our own ability, the flesh) we can do a work for God that will be lasting and successful. Therefore, God has given to every believer the gift and aid of the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit is All Powerful, and He lives in us, and guides us, we can live our lives in victory and do service which is effective.3
Additionally, one of the present ministries of our risen Lord Jesus in heaven is the giving of gifts, or abilities, to all believers. These gifts enable us to live a consistent Christian life, and to efficiently serve Christ. While Christ is said to give these gifts, the Holy Spirit distributes them. These gifts may be according to our natural abilities or entirely apart from them.4
While there are many types of service, perhaps one of the most rewarding is that of the miracle of living a Christian life under earthly circumstances. This is possible because, as believers, we have yielded to the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ (or nine characteristics) that will appear in the life of a truly dedicated Christian walk.5
Lasting service to God is not reached by feverish, human activity, but rather by a committed daily leading, empowering and ministry of the Spirit of God.6
The greatest service ever to done by the people of God is to lead others to Christ. Each has different parts and responsibilities in doing this work. Some pray, some fast, some teach, some give, and so forth, but this is a common value and goal. While sincere Christians each have a part, this important ministry is entirely under the personal direction of the Holy Spirit.7
Other forms of service for the believer are mentioned in James 2 where we see the combination of "faith and works".8 Also in James 1:27, we see the visiting of orphans and widows as ‘pure religion’.9 Love, concern, compassion, healing, and giving are always marks of Jesus and His service, and must also be marks of ours. The idea of service brings with it the idea of a servant. Jesus said, "I came to serve, not be served".10 Serving others in the Name of Christ becomes our greatest joy.
1. Ephesians 2:8-10, Galatians 6:10
2. Romans 12:1-2
3. John 14:16, John 16:12-15, Galatians 5:22-23
4. Ephesians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Romans 12
5. Galatians 5:22-23
6. Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:5, Romans 8:14
7. John 16:7-11
8. James 2
9. James 1:27
10. Matthew 20:28
