Serving Joyfully

Psalm 100
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

This is a very familiar Psalm to all of us. One of the things we face as servants of Christ, and as members of a very busy church is the balance between serving joyfully and serving out of obligation. I have been reminded in a very bold way about serving joyfully, and I am claiming that for my life and my ministry.

A few weeks ago, a mother told me about a decision her 5th grade son had made. He accepted Christ as his Savior. He was telling his mother about this, and he said, "Okay, now what's my job?" She asked him what he was talking about. He said, "Well, you sing in the choir, and Daddy runs sound. You both have jobs in the church. What's my job? I'm a Christian now. I need a job."

I love his enthusiasm. It's not that worldy "What can you do for me" attitude. It's "What can I do for God". It's that authentic change--that mysterious gift that only comes from God. This sweet boy was so excited about his transformation that he immediately wanted to give back.

I'm thankful for a church that allows those opportunities. A few weeks ago, my son was in a First Things First episode. Abby was terribly upset that she didn't get to be in it. Daryl--one of our greatest gifts when it comes to training up children--gave her a job. He taught her how to run a teleprompter. Most of us would be afraid to touch one, let alone allow a 7 year old to touch one. But, Daryl showed her how to do it, made her feel important, and she was able to contribute to ministry. I am thankful for people in this church who aren't afraid to trust and train our children--our next generation.

This next week is Vacation Bible School. There are many adults and teenagers who will serve. They need many more volunteers. It's a great opportunity to share and minister joyfully. It's also a great opportunity to touch a life eternally--to encourage a child in the church where one day he or she will be serving joyfully and training up the next generation.

That little boy who asked his mother about his "job" is now running graphics every other week at Brown Blvd--now called NorthPointe Baptist Church! What a tremendous opportunity that church has and is cultivating in the life of that boy. I know many more stories like his will come out of faithful servants, joyfully serving Christ in the church and community.

Thank You, Lord for giving us gifts and skills that we can use to serve You. Help us to cultivate joy daily as we use them for Your service. Help us never to become complacent, but always be looking for ways to encourage others in their gifts. Thank You for 150 years of church history with people who weren't afraid to serve and train up the next generation. Help us, as we work with VBS, that lives will be touched and that You will cultivate the next generation of joy-filled servants. Draw us nearer to You every day, Lord, and fill us with Your joy and glory.