LEARNING DAILY

Romans 15:1-2, We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. (NLT)

“Using the Word of God for the basis for your decision-making will change your life,” said Pastor Jonathon Moore. He has been discussing the decisions we make each day in his sermons for the past few Sundays at NorthRock Church. This past weekend he talked about the decision to influence others through the gifts, talents, and opportunities God gives Believers to serve and influence others for Christ (taken from the booklet that relates to the series).

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord” (NLT). “The gifts God has given each Believer are not just for you; they are for serving others” (JM). Think of serving as a way to help others, to make others better and in the process show Christ’s love to those you help. Pastor shared three thoughts about helping others.

“You have a strength and it is for service.” I should not have to tell you that you are different from every other person. “You are unique, unique because you have a unique assignment (or burden). It is what you enjoy and are good at. That strength is God’s gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God” (JM). God wants you to use what He has given you to help those in need – they are not given to you for your status or to serve yourself. Pastor said, “Your gift is not your identity; it is what you do. Connect your gift to helping others.”

“Service sanctifies (sets you apart for the kingdom of God) your strength.” Mark 10:42-45, “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” There it is – Jesus expects Believers to not lord it over others but to help them, lift them, and encourage them. Pastor Moore defined worldly leadership as “whatever I need to do, whoever I need to crawl over to get the position and status I want.” He defined Kingdom leadership as “getting low so others can be lifted up.”

“Regardless of your title, pick up a towel.” Jesus demonstrated what Pastor Moore was talking about when He washed the feet of His disciples in the Upper Room. This task was always left to the lowest of servants. Are you, Believer, willing to do menial tasks to help others, to bless others? “Most of the time the strength God gives you is usually bigger than your current assignment [the opportunity to help another]. God wants to know if He can trust you with the small things before He gives you greater opportunities” (JM).

“God gives you the strength; it is your responsibility to connect with others to use it to serve” (JM). Where and how can you serve, help others?

Here are three qualities of those who help others: Gentleness (strength under control), Generosity (open hands, open heart), and Sacrificial Living (Daily Choices and Lasting Impact). These are taken from the booklet that relates to the series.