Service: “Have To” or “Get To”?

I frequent a certain fast food chain and always order a number one with lemonade. It doesn’t matter who takes my order, the transaction always ends with, “It’s my pleasure.” The cashier always wears a smile, and I sense he or she truly enjoys serving me that chicken sandwich on a buttery bun.

I encounter the same kind of smile at church. Mrs. Rita opens the door for my family almost every Sunday. She always smiles and offers a kind greeting. She gives my son a high-five, and she gives me a hug. She seems to enjoy making others feel welcome.

We should enjoy serving the Lord, but all too often, service becomes drudgery. We volunteer at church because we feel obligated. Tradition, too, sometimes dictates the ways we choose to serve God. We fill in the gaps because no one else will. We give our time because it seems like the Christian thing to do. The “If I don’t do it, who will?” mentality draws us in, and we find ourselves serving outside of our gifts and talents.

I found myself in the “have to” position on more than one occasion. I stay late to clean up when my family and my body really need me to rest. I add my name to every sign-up sheet to ensure there are enough people to help. I sometimes find myself in Bible studies simply because that’s what God-girls do—we go to Bible studies. I feel guilty for saying “no” to anything that could be classified as serving God.

[Tweet “What if we started releasing the “have to” serve and started looking for the “get to” serve?”]

Serving God doesn’t have to be grueling, tiresome work. It is possible to actually enjoy serving God. In fact, we can not only enjoy it but also find delight in it. God grants us gifts we can and should use to serve him. He must cherish the moments in which our soul delights in serving him with those gifts.

Here are five questions to ask as we try to discover ways we can enjoy serving God:

What are a few of your talents or skills?

We are all gifted in some way. Maybe you love to talk and can be like my Mrs. Rita, a welcoming presence wherever you go. Do you love to craft? Perhaps you can host a neighborhood craft night to build a stronger community. If you have mad math skills, consider tutoring kids once a week. Take the time to consider ways the things you already enjoy doing can translate into service.

What has been your favorite act of service?

Think back on the times you served with a smile. My husband loves to make espresso. It’s even better when the machine breaks and he gets to fix it. He found his happy spot in our church’s cafe’. My daughter loves to play with two-year-olds. She is always far more excited than I am when it’s my turn to watch them on Sunday morning. Remember what it was like to serve with a smile, and go back to your happy place.

Are you pursuing a deeper relationship with God?

Without this piece of the puzzle, it can be difficult to enjoy serving God. You can be in the center of your sweet spot, serving with your gifts and talents, and still be unfulfilled. As we draw closer to God through prayer, Bible study, and worship, he can bring joy where we serve. Consider David, the shepherd boy, singing praises on the hillside. That is service with a smile!

Where do you need courage?

Have you identified something new you would like to attempt? Ask God for both the courage and the opportunity to try. When I decided to start writing, I trembled at the thought of someone reading my words. God put several encouraging friends in my path who helped me hit “publish.” God is faithful to give us an outlet for the passion he puts inside of us.

What do you need to release?

When you say yes to one thing, you have to say no to something else. You may need to release some areas of service to make room for that thing you feel called to do. It can be hard to walk away, but you will provide an opportunity for someone else to step in and serve in an area that brings them joy.

When a kingdom need is met as we pursue the holy desires of our heart, it is a pleasure to serve God. It is worth some introspection to find that place where your passion meets his service.

Kelly Smith is a small town girl who married a small town man 17 years ago. She has three energetic blessings, ages 1 to 11. Her favorite indulgences are coffee, reading, writing, and running. Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.

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