Called to Serve

Bearing One Another's Burdens

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend Challenge Youth Conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. The weekend theme challenged all 13,000 Christians who attended to look up to Christ, trust Him, and then go out into the family, church, and world to serve others. These days, we hear a lot about self-care. And that is something we need. (I took the afternoon off yesterday and spent it in Smoky Mountain National Park). But, never forget the essence of Christianity is service and encouraging others.

For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

– Galatians 5:13-14

Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

– Romans 15:2

In our day and age, Christians are especially challenged to do more because of overwhelmed schedules, career demands, and family responsibilities. Individuals and families, both young and old, are seriously pressed. There are hardly any margins left for unexpected things that pop up. Many continually run behind and never feel as if they are caught up. If this describes you, know that your situation is not unique.

However, this is not what God intends. He never wants His children so overloaded that their spiritual responsibilities are squeezed out. This is why we must regularly evaluate our priorities and ensure that we intentionally allow our spiritual responsibilities to direct the rest of our lives.

Are we making ourselves available to be used by God for service to others and His kingdom?

Paul’s Example

As Acts 16 opens, Paul and Silas begin their second missionary journey. After traveling through Derbe and Lystra, where the duo picked up Timothy, they traveled through Phrygia and Galatia, Mysia, and finally to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision. A Macedonian man pleaded with him to go there to help them. Luke writes, "After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them" (Acts 16.10).

What God wanted Paul to do, he did. Where God wanted Paul to go, he went. He had completely given himself over to the Lord’s disposal. He viewed himself as an instrument placed in service to God. So must we.

We must offer ourselves to be used as the tools of God’s providence

Have you made yourself available for God’s use? You have been called:

To be light. God wants to use you to shine His glory all around. Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven,” Matthew 5.14-16.

To be a burden bearer. There is always someone around who is carrying a heavy load. Life’s difficulties abound. They range in size and scope, but they are always there. God calls on us to help where we can: Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ, Galatians 6.2.

To be an encourager. This is one of the primary characteristics of our interactions together in the spiritual family. We are to look to help each other in spiritual growth and perseverance. 1 Thessalonians 5.11-15 is a great passage that instructs us to encourage one another and build each other up… This also involves recognizing those who lead over us, v. 12, and regarding them very highly in love because of their work, v. 13.

To be a message bearer. We are always looking for ways to share the good news of hope. Paul urged Timothy to take the apostolic message and commit it to faithful men who will be able to teach others also, 2 Timothy 2.2. We are people with a hope called to be instruments in God’s hand.

Conclusion

God calls us to a life of selfless service and encouragement. Despite the challenges of modern life and overwhelming schedules, we must prioritize our spiritual responsibilities and make ourselves available for God’s work. Just as Paul exemplified complete dedication to God’s calling, we, too are called to be instruments of His love, light, and hope. Whether through bearing burdens, encouraging others, or sharing the gospel, our lives should reflect the love and service that Christ modeled for us. In doing so, we fulfill our purpose and bring glory to God in all that we do.