Worship that is Relevant Focuses on the People, NOT the Power

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8-11

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.  Be hospitable to one another without complaint.  As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Insights:  Our final thought for this week deals with our focus of worship being displayed through our service of others.  These verses are the fourth of the four areas in the New Testament that discuss spiritual gifts.  The other three references are found in Romans chapter twelve, First Corinthians chapter twelve, and Ephesians chapter four.  All too often we see people and use people as a means to our ends.  We know that we need them to accomplish our tasks and goals.  This truth unfortunately means that some people use manipulation tactics to get people to serve them.  Jesus on the other hand said to us that the greatest among us would be servant of all.  True spiritual power is not found in subjugation of others, but rather in the service of others for their betterment.  These verses tell us that love for one another is the compelling factor in our ability to serve them.  We do not naturally have this kind of love within us.  This kind of love is generated by the Lord as we turn our focus on Him.  All of a sudden we start seeing people the way the Lord God sees people.  As we see them the way He sees them, then we start treating them the way He treats them.  He treated them with kindness and love as He served them.  He served them all the way to the cross of Calvary.  Beloved, let me challenge you to surrender to the Lord and worship Him.  As you are worshipping Him ask Him to change the way you see other people.  As He changes your vision of others, begin to serve them and watch the Lord do amazing things in your life.  To God be the glory!

Questions:

1.  Are you using people for your own advancement and self-promotion?

2.  Are you serving people as a way of portrayal of your worship of the Lord?

Prayer: Father, not everyone is easy to love and serve, but I thank You for them because they teach me to be reliant on You and Your presence and power.  May I worship You whole heartedly as I serve those You put in my life.  Amen.