“So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
 

James 2:17 NLT

God First Life Next is all about putting God first in everything we do, and that includes how we serve others. Over the next few weeks, we’re diving into Empowering Through Service, because let’s be honest, faith without works is like… well, it’s not much of a faith at all! (James 2:17) Jesus calls us to be active participants in His work, to step outside our comfort zones and use the gifts He’s given us to make a real difference.

Serving isn’t about feeling obligated or racking up brownie points with God.  It’s about reflecting His love in the world.  Micah 6:8 (ESV) spells it out perfectly: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  See, serving allows us to live out these principles in real time – to show justice by meeting needs, love mercy by offering compassion, and walk humbly by using the gifts God has entrusted to us.

But how do we translate this into action? Here’s your battle plan for becoming an empowered servant:

• Identify Your Mission Field: Not all heroes wear capes, but they all know their territory.  Before diving in headfirst, explore the needs around you.  Is it hunger, homelessness, lack of access to mentors, or something else entirely? Talk to local organizations, shelters, or even your neighbors.  Needs are everywhere, waiting for a helping hand. Maybe there’s a surge in single parents needing childcare assistance, or a growing elderly population who could benefit from friendly visits.  Identifying the needs is the first step to becoming part of the solution.

• Find Your God-Given Gifts: Remember, we’re all uniquely equipped to serve. Don’t feel pressured to fit into a mold that doesn’t suit you.  Maybe you’re a math whiz who could volunteer at a local financial literacy program, or you have a way with words and could offer writing workshops at a youth center. Perhaps you’re a natural with kids and could mentor a young person facing challenges, or you’re passionate about environmental causes and could organize a neighborhood clean-up day. There’s a place for everyone to serve, so find something that ignites your fire and allows you to use your God-given gifts. Don’t be afraid to explore different opportunities until you find a cause that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning.

• Team Up for Maximum Impact:  No superhero operates alone (except maybe Batman, but that’s a whole other story).  Partner up with friends, family, or fellow church members to amplify your impact.  Maybe you organize a clothing drive for a local homeless shelter, or your small group decides to collect and donate gently used books to a children’s hospital.  The key is to leverage your combined strengths and resources to create something bigger than yourselves.

Remember, serving is about glorifying God, not ourselves. Let your good works shine brightly, inspiring others to join you in making a difference. Don’t seek praise or a pat on the back; focus on the act of service itself, knowing the true reward comes from using your gifts to empower others and reflect God’s love in the world.

The service journey won’t always be easy. There will be setbacks, challenges, and times you want to throw in the towel. That’s okay! Don’t let discouragement dim your light. Lean on your faith, draw strength from your church community, and keep pushing forward. Remember, even a small act of service can spark a ripple effect of positive change. You might not be able to change the whole world overnight, but you can certainly brighten the corner you’re in.

But serving goes beyond one-time acts. Think about it this way: you wouldn’t flick a lighter on and then complain about the darkness, would you? You’d keep the flame going! Find a cause you care about and commit to it for the long haul. Maybe you partner with a local organization for ongoing support or rally your co-workers for a monthly volunteer day. The key is consistency – to be a beacon of hope, you gotta keep your light shining!

Serving can also extend beyond your physical location. Thanks to the wonders of technology, the world is our oyster!  Maybe you translate educational materials for an orphanage overseas, advocate for refugees online, or donate to a clean water initiative in Africa. These acts, big or small, become brushstrokes painting a brighter picture for humanity. Remember, God’s love knows no borders, and neither should yours!

As we answer this call to serve, we illuminate the path for others and create a world that reflects the unwavering love and hope of Christ.  We become living testaments to God’s faithfulness, showing the world what it means to put God First and Live Next by serving others.  So, let’s get out there, team! Unleash your God-given gifts, find your mission field, and make a difference in the world, one act of service at a time. Remember, with God by your side, there’s no limit to the good you can accomplish!