Often, when we think of stewardship, we think of financial contributions, but growing in generosity means so much more—it’s about giving our time and talents to God. Reflecting on my own journey, I grew up with a father who had a tremendous work ethic and incredible skills as an electrician. Although I didn’t inherit his mechanical abilities, I did inherit his spirit of service and commitment to helping others. Today, as we dive into this topic, let’s explore what it means to serve using the unique gifts God has given each of us.
1. Facing the Obstacles to Serving One of the main obstacles to serving is fear—fear of not being good enough, fear of making mistakes, or even fear of being vulnerable. Sometimes, negative past experiences create a reluctance to get involved again. These feelings are valid, but God’s Word reminds us that we are each His masterpiece, crafted in His image and gifted with unique talents (Ephesians 2:10). Rick Warren offers an acronym—S.H.A.P.E.—to help us identify our God-given gifts: Spiritual gifts, Heart (passions), Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. Recognizing and embracing these elements in ourselves can open doors to serve with confidence and joy.
2. Transforming Our Time into Impact Paul’s letter to the Romans encourages us to live purposefully by using our gifts for the benefit of others (Romans 12:6-8). Time, perhaps our most valuable asset, is something we can’t get back, so it’s crucial to use it wisely. Think about how you spend each day—are you investing it in things that matter? When we choose to use our time to help others and to build relationships, we move from a life of simply “spending” time to “investing” it. This shift can lead us toward true significance, which isn’t measured by worldly success, but by the positive impact we have on others.
3. The Power of Serving and Its Rewards Serving not only connects us with others but also blesses us with joy, improved mental well-being, and even longer life. Research shows that helping others triggers “helper’s high,” releasing feel-good chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin in our brains. Beyond this, when we give our time and talents to God, we honor the incredible gift of salvation He has given us. Whether we start small by ushering or greeting once a month, or by joining a mission project, every act of service matters and helps us grow closer to God and our church community.
Reflection Questions
- What gifts or talents do you feel called to use in service to others? How might these reflect your “S.H.A.P.E.”?
- How could you invest your time more meaningfully in ways that serve others and build community?
Closing Prayer Lord God, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation we find in Him. We recognize that You have given each of us unique gifts and talents. We ask that You remove any obstacles—fear, past hurt, or resentment—that hold us back from serving fully. Help us to use our gifts to bring joy to others, honor You, and grow in our faith. We ask this in Jesus' name, amen.
Come as You Are We are all welcome to God’s table of grace. Let’s take a moment to pray, seeking forgiveness for times when we may have turned away from His love. Lord, empower us to walk closer with You this week. Thank You for Your peace.