To Give is to Receive

Romans 7:1-6

​Prior to the sacrifice of Christ, we were bound to the law under God. Post-crucifixion we are delivered from the old law and free to serve Him in the way of the Spirit. Living in the way of the Spirit allows us to show our holiness to God. This holiness comes in part by our service. How are we becoming more like Christ? Our service shows our obedience to God and leads us to become more like Christ. Sinful living can surround us with the illusion of happiness, but the reality is we are often drawn further into more sin. We do not gain holiness by stockpiling our good deeds. This will lead to frustration and discouragement. The quantity of deeds is irrelevant in comparison to the quality. By serving others with faithfulness and out of true love, we begin to erase the disillusion created by sin.

1. In our relationships with each other, we hear about depositing more into our love account than we withdrawal. This same example can be applied to how we serve. Do you find yourself serving more than you receive service?

2. True service is done without merit. Make a list of five services you can perform which may change someone's outcome, but you will remain anonymous.  

Challenge: With the list you just made, develop a plan of action to complete this list. Give yourself a deadline and hold yourself to it. If you are serving in conjunction with one or more people, hold each other accountable for your plan and see it through to the end. Challenge yourself to do something you have never done before. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to greater growth.