Daily Power #42

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12)

As a pastor, I often hear visitors tell me, “We’ve been to fourteen churches in this area and not one of them seems to meet our needs. However, we’re really excited about this church and look forward to seeing if y’all can provide a spiritual home for us.” During these moments, I have to exercise every bit of self-restraint I can muster not to reply, “Maybe you should keep looking! If you’re a follower of Jesus, then you’re a spiritual contributor, not a spiritual consumer!”

Of course, I try to welcome everyone who visits Life.Church. But I also try to make it clear that our church exists to do what Jesus did during his time on earth: serve the needs of others and spread the good news of the gospel. The church does not exist for us. We are the church and we exist for the world.

And when we give ourselves to serve as part of the body of Christ, we discover that thrill of knowing that God is using us. We feel our gifts, talents, and resources making an impact in other people’s lives for eternity. We get the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life every day. We get to reveal how much God loves them wherever they are and whatever they’re going through.

When you serve others, God changes lives—and the first life he changes is yours.

Power Lift

Thank you, God, that I can make a difference today. I’m so grateful to be a part of the body of Christ and to show others your amazing love—through my attitude, my words, and my actions.