The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Serving Quietly" for Wednesday, 8 February 2017 with Scripture Romans 12:4-8

The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Serving Quietly" for Wednesday, 8 February 2017 with Scripture Romans 12:4 For just as there are many parts that compose one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function; 5 so there are many of us, and in union with the Messiah we comprise one body, with each of us belonging to the others. 6 But we have gifts that differ and which are meant to be used according to the grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, use it to the extent of your trust; 7 if it is serving, use it to serve; if you are a teacher, use your gift in teaching; 8 if you are a counselor, use your gift to comfort and exhort; if you are someone who gives, do it simply and generously; if you are in a position of leadership, lead with diligence and zeal; if you are one who does acts of mercy, do them cheerfully.
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Paul said to the Ephesian elders, “We must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”[Acts 20:35 (NIV)]
My husband, Bill, is naturally curious and observant, which contributes to his being a quick study. He’s never been afraid to try to fix anything. He fondly recalls working alongside “Uncle” Walter, a family friend, on run-down cars in a nearby garage as a youth. Bill remembers testing, probing, adjusting, and recalibrating engine parts, ball bearings, exhaust fans — you name it. He would observe Walter and then try his own hand at it.
Throughout our many years together, I’ve witnessed Bill’s ability to build or repair just about anything — whether it’s for a family member, a friend, or someone at work or church. It used to upset me that people would constantly ask him to fix things, sometimes even before a word of hello. But upon reflection one day, I saw his talent as his gift from God. That change in my perspective has made all the difference.
I wonder,
Do I offer my own gifts cheerfully without thought or regard for myself? Will I someday mature so that I don’t need or expect credit for my service to others?
I see clearly that Bill is freely giving of himself for the sake of others, as God means for us to do. When we watch people like Bill, we can see examples of serving God quietly and strive to do likewise.
See a picture of Deborah and Bill, here.

Link2Life for February 8, 2017

Deborah and BillThe Author: Deborah Burke Henderson (Massachusetts, USA)

Thought for the Day: My cheerful giving is a testament to God’s grace.
Prayer: O God, inspire us to discover and use our talents in daily service to others and to do so with joy. Amen.
Prayer focus: Auto mechanics

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