Spiritual Gift: Serving

The spiritual gift of serving is another much-needed gift in the church. I am not talking about those who serve and do what they can until they get burned out, but those who truly have the gift of service. One thing I have not mentioned throughout this series is the effect a spiritual gift will have on you when exercised properly. It should give you maximum effectiveness and minimum fatigue. The same applies with serving, it should encourage the body and get you all hyped up like a 5 year old drinking Monster energy drinks and watching Transformers.

The Greek word for serving is diakanon (Romans 12:7). This means to serve or minister, especially of those who execute the commands of others. Service can be displayed as those serving by using other spiritual gifts i.e. teacher, pastor, evangelist, prophet, elder, deacon, etc. Serving can also be seen as meeting the needs of others in the Church; like contributing help to the meeting of needs like collecting and distributing charity for believers or meeting individual needs of the Church.

A great example of service for us believers should be first and foremost Philippians 2:5-11. That is the mind of humility we should all have when serving one another, but especially those with the gift of serving. A good example of this played out is in 1 Corinthians 16:15-18, read it. The last thing I would like to address is more of a warning. I have seen a lot of "serving" in the church plant I have been involved in and have seen a scary effect come from serving, even within myself sometimes. Serving can ultimately lead to bitterness when your serving is not recognized. If this is the case, check yourself and make sure you know what your spiritual gift is. If serving is not bringing effectiveness and is wearing you out, meet with your church leaders and start serving where you are spiritually gifted.