Written by Chris Williams

Read: Romans 12:3-8; Matthew 20:25-28; 1 Peter 10-11

When you look at the spiritual gifts, you will find virtues all believers are called to embody or exercise. Jesus commands us to practice gifts like mercy, giving, faith, and others. What’s more, all of the gifts are to be done in service to saints and sinners alike! So when considering the gift of service, we find that all believers are called to serve, but not all servants have the gift. So what is this gift, and how do you spot it?

Service, in short, is filling needs. And when we look at the landscape of our lives, there’s no shortage of needs. They’re everywhere. In our homes, communities, and marketplaces, needs are in all the conditions where the sun, moon, stars, and rain are not enough. Spirit-led hearts, hands, and feet are needed to carry out our commissions: love God, love others, and make disciples.

When it comes to serving others, we have the greatest role model in Jesus who came to serve (Matt 20:28). In humility, He washed feet, fed thousands, and died for millions more. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. While we all are called to follow Jesus in the practice of service, some are gifted.

The gift of service is less a gift of skill and more a gift of the will. You may have a knack for finding or identifying needs, but a nuance that may distinguish this gift from others, like administration, is a willful and cheerful spirit that accompanies the hunt. So, not only are you drawn by divine gravity, finding needs like water finds cracks, your cheerful and refreshing spirit is notable and contagious in filling them. You may see needs from a mile away. When listening to people, you might hear the supplication in their ellipses. You don’t mind remaining anonymous. You mind getting the job done.

For those who do not have the gift, learn to walk with Christ in the Spirit to come alongside those with the gift to meet needs. As you rub shoulders with them, allow yourself to catch what is contagious: the cheerful service the gift supplies.

For those with the gift, there are a couple of ditches to avoid: pride and burnout. Most of the time we learn we have a gift when others consistently remark on it. This typically confirms what your heart already knows. Then you become known for your gifts, and people can begin to encourage and praise you for them. Don’t let these words rise from a humble heart to a haughty head.

Burnout can come like a thief and is typically downhill from pride. Lord knows you can’t say yes to everything. You are one member of His holy Body commissioned to serve one another in love. Render all service to Jesus. Work and rest in His name for His glory. Pray for wisdom, trusting Him to be the Chief Administrator of servants and assignments.