Servant

SERVANT

“Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4:11 (ESV)

As we move closer to Christmas, what kinds of thoughts occupy our minds? Yesterday I thought about how I have yet to begin shopping for any gifts whatsoever this year! Today I can’t believe that next week we will be celebrating the most anticipated holiday of the year. It comes so fast and it leaves even quicker doesn’t it? Part of me wants Christmas to be here now and another part can’t stand how quickly the holiday slips away.

This winter I have been reading the books of Mark and Luke. They tell the story of Jesus. I am simply amazed by how little I know and understand about him. The more I read the more I am often confused about what the character of Jesus was like.

1 Peter chapter 4 helps me piece together an identity of who Jesus Christ was and is. The passage gives us direction on how we should behave and act. Peter, a man that walked side by side with Jesus, tells us to love unconditionally, show hospitality, and use our gifts to serve one another. I think this passage tells us how to spend our Christmas this year. Even though our thoughts are wrapped up in the holiday, I hope that our mission deep down is to serve, share, and love one another.

This year I hope we can all enjoy the spirit of Christmas more than we ever have, and to do that we must “serve by the strength that God supplies.” Enjoy this season for what it truly is by serving, sharing, and loving; and in the end let us give God all the glory.

- Matt Simmonds