A Privilege to serve




Some people ask me what I do for a living, and I then tell them I am a Pastor. One man replied, "A plasterer, that's great; they always come in handy!"

I love what I do.  

What do I do then?

I serve.  
I serve others in Church and outside Church. Not only do I serve, but I count it a privilege to serve. I believe the blueprint for service is following Jesus and how He came to serve and not be served. 

I love that there is a local church, Lisburn Elim, where I get to practically and spiritually serve others. I count it a privilege to serve through preaching and teaching God's word to them week after week, even on days when I am not in form. Pastor Bill Crawford once told me, "Darren, you can't preach well every week and don't forget the bounce effect, " to which I said, "What is that?" He said, "a preacher bounces off the congregation, and the congregation bounces off him." I've had a few Sunday mornings where I have not been bouncing. 

Maybe you, too, serve in Church, and I get that there will be days when people will grind your gears, where perhaps life gets a little hectic for you, but I want to encourage you to keep serving. Serve with a smile, serve with joy, serve others, and let them see something of Jesus in you. 

Whether it is in a worship team where you have the privilege of leading others to God in worship, that is an incredible privilege. Maybe it is teaching children in Sunday school that it is a privilege of the highest importance to make a difference in young lives. Perhaps you serve with youth, the elderly, evangelism, visitation, and prayer ministry. I could go on all day, see it is a privilege.  

As a church pastor, nothing encourages me more than seeing other people serve in Church and how that can have a tremendous effect. Where they come and willingly muck in and say it is not about them or their preferences. I love how Paul puts this in Romans 12:10 "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour." ‭Romans‬ ‭12:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Last night our Church put that into action at our Christmas dinner, and thanks to all who served and outdid one another in showing honour. This Sunday will be the same with people who have worked hard to help the Church towards our nativity. Next week we are out in the community singing carols. It's so simple, but it could, in some small way, make a difference in someone's life. 

So keep serving, giving your all, and giving your best. It makes a bigger difference than you realise. 
Happy Christmas 

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