7 ways to serve God faithfully

When I was a kid, one of the first Bible passages I memorized was Psalm 100. And while things like entering God’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise caught my attention as a boy, serving God with gladness (Psalm 100:2) was a treasure I sought as a teen and young adult.

As I got older, I wondered what it meant to serve God. More importantly, I wondered how I could serve God. To be honest, I still wrestle with that question every day. And that’s how it’s supposed to be.

You never master serving God. You never outgrow His call; only learn to apply it in new ways each day. But that starts with knowing what the Bible says about serving God.

A Biblical Look at Serving God

The biblical view of serving God can be traced to the opening chapters of the Bible. God created everything, and everything He created was made for His glory. As His highest creation, designed in His image, humans are unique. We honor God by serving God, and, for the most part, we serve God by serving others.

Throughout the Old Testament, God called people to serve Him through obedience to the law. Some held special responsibilities of servant leadership as prophets, priests and kings. But serving God was an expectation for everyone.

In the New Testament, Jesus provided the ultimate example of serving God through His sinless life and His sacrificial death. Believers are still called to follow His example. Obviously, sin hinders our willingness and ability to serve well, but it does not remove the responsibility. After all, Jesus proved that when God asks us to serve, He’s only asking us to do what He’s already done through Christ.

The greater impact

To equip His people to serve Him, God provides each believer with at least one spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10-11). These gifts bless the church and glorify God.

It’s also important to remember that serving God is never about us. It’s all about Him. As we serve God, we reflect the transforming power of Christ in our lives. And, as we follow the admonition of Psalm 100:2, our glad service reveals God as He truly is. We make God appealing to the world, not threatening. As a result, we experience joy and discover a greater purpose.

7 ways to serve God

While each believer has at least one gift, we don’t have to master that gift (or even be sure what it is) to start serving. Truth is, in every church, the need for servants is greater than the people stepping forward to meet those needs. Demand always outpaces supply. But if you will find an area of need and start working, you’ll likely get a better handle on your gifts—and see God use your efforts for His glory. Here are seven basic areas where you could likely step in today and begin to serve God faithfully:

1. Teaching. Every church needs teachers in every age group. From the nursery to senior adults, you can probably find a place to serve. If you’re nervous, start out as an assistant teacher to someone with more experience. Again, the idea is obedience, not being a great Bible scholar.
   
2. Leading. Pastors and music leaders take the lead every Sunday, but those aren’t the only ways to provide godly leadership. Accepting a spot on a committee or serving as a deacon/elder are exercises in servant leadership. Even singing in the choir represents leadership as you help guide the congregation in worship.
3. Outreach. You don’t have to go overseas to reach others. You can make a difference much closer to home by writing a note or sending a card to someone who needs encouragement. You can help plan fellowship events for a Bible study or volunteer in a community ministry. The opportunities are there if you will look for them.
4. Skills. Along with spiritual gifts, God also gives us specific skills and interests. Often, churches need people to serve God in those unique ways. For example, I’m a writer. More than once, I’ve written curricula for youth camps or a special church-wide emphasis. You might be a wizard at technology in a church that could use some audio/visual support. Examine your strengths and ask God where He wants you to use those abilities for His glory.
5. Hospitality. The Bible challenges believers to show hospitality because you never know whom you’re serving (Hebrews 13:2). Sometimes, hospitality happens in the church—like greeters and ushers who serve with a smile. It can also happen outside the church. For instance, my wife finds incredible joy in providing meals for people during the best and the worst moments of their lives. That’s hospitality, and it’s a way to serve God.
6. Giving. Everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). When we give a portion of His gifts back to Him, we are serving Him. Usually, we think of giving in terms of money, but you can also give your time and your talents. Every offering shows dependence on Him, and that brings Him glory.
7. Prayer. Many Christians don’t stand in the spotlight, but they are fierce warriors in their prayer closets. Serving God through prayer is a vital way to build up the church and make a difference in the world. So, if that’s how God leads you, don’t hesitate to stand tall on your knees.

The Bottom Line

We rightfully give special honor to those in vocational ministry. The truth is, though, we don’t have be “called to ministry” to serve God. Every believer is called to serve.

So, we don’t need to wait for a mystical sign. We just need to have faith and see where our passions intersect with the needs around us. From there, God will show us how we serve Him well.