Christian Service Brings Joy and Ocean-Deep Contentment
- Jack Selcher
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
Your purpose is more than unwrapping and enjoying God’s gifts. You are on earth to use those gifts to build His kingdom. That invariably requires suffering.
Suffering accompanies the proclamation of Christ’s finished work on the cross. It is inescapable. Yet, it brings joy (Colossians 1:24).
Your purpose is to lift Christ. Paul did. He did not communicate a collection of rules and regulations or condemn people for their sins. He lifted Christ who lived in Him. There are many ways to do that.
You lift Christ by admonishing and teaching. Admonishing awakens people to their need for Christ. Teaching strengthens Jesus’ followers to develop a mature faith and Christ-like character.
Mature Christians do not walk on water, but they do walk in God’s ways. They talk about Jesus. They attract others because of their Christlikeness.
Paul always gave 100 percent. He exerted all his strength in wearisome toil (Colossians 1:29). The results were astounding.
Do you see yourself as weak, puny, and unproductive in Christ’s service? Please release those feelings of inadequacy.
Put your whole heart into serving Christ. Trust Him to do through you what you cannot do by yourself.
Your purpose is to pray. Paul worked at prayer. It is hard.
Too often, I ask for a costly gift for others with a minuteman prayer that costs me little. Paul worked at it.
His prayers comforted, affirmed, challenged, and strengthened the Colossian believers so they would be united in love. The church still needs such prayer.
Being united in love produces conviction and a deep knowledge of Christ. He is God’s treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge.
Diligently searching the Scriptures instills a deep knowledge of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what is available to you in Him.
Your purpose is to urge others to remain true to Christ. Like the Colossians, you must continuously live in Christ. He is enough to save and empower you to bear much fruit as you serve others.
Put your roots down and draw nourishment from Him. You will grow strong and vigorous in the truth.
Urge others to overflow with thanksgiving as a way of life. Model it yourself (Colossians 2:6-7).
God’s plan is too big for one person or a small group. Carry your share of the load for the glory of God.
That’s your purpose. Fulfilling it brings joy and ocean-deep contentment—despite suffering. What is your takeaway?
See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,671 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,636 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.
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