The Joy of Serving Together in the Church

I became a Christian at the age of 12. I remember days before making the decision, I had stood up to my teacher who insisted I sing during “Chapel” services (with musical instruments playing in the background) carried out in my primary school and explained to her why I will not participate in such an activity.

I went home that day and shared with my father about what had happened. He listened attentively, silent the entire time, and then proceeded to ask me, “Do you want to become a Christian?”

My response was, “Do you think I’m ready?” He gave me no direct answer.

My father simply asked me to reflect on my response to the incident with regard to instrumental music during worship.

I realized that although I did not quote verses from the Bible by heart, I had defended what the Bible commanded and what the Bible kept silent. I was ready to continue doing the same for the rest of my life, and I could gain biblical knowledge as I went on. But I knew what I had to fight for: the truth. Days after, I decided to commit to becoming a Christian.

My parents believe that every Christian can serve the Lord in their own way. They did it by contributing their time and effort, devoting their lives to helping out in whatever ways they can, for the family they have in Christ. And so, my journey of service as a Christian began - I was on a search to discover how I can contribute in the church.

I started teaching Nursery bible classes, and helping out for Vacation Bible School in my youth. Fast forward to adulthood, I was still teaching bible classes but there are so many other ways to contribute in the service for the Lord that I had yet not delved into.

As I grew in spiritual years, I have come to better understand that, when contributing to the service of the Lord, it is never just about ourselves. We are working together with others, those of the Lord, to do more for the Lord. NO ONE CAN DO THIS ALONE.

It brings me such immense joy to see one another serving the Lord in all the various ways.  Particularly, I feel such delight when I observe fellow sisters-in-Christ giving their all with whatever they have for the Lord.

Today, let’s take a look at the joy we can attain from serving together in the church.

1.  The Joy of Seeing Humble Service

When I see fellow sisters serving in the church, it shows me that they are following Jesus’ example of self-surrender and humility. In Matthew 20:28, we read that “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” We are called to follow Jesus’ example, to serve with a heart of love, and a selfless love.  In Philippians 2:3-4, we are also reminded that all that we do should be done “in lowliness of mind” and that we should esteem other better than ourselves. Particularly, in Philippians 2:4, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” We are reminded to look to the interests of others. I find great joy when watching our sisters serve without seeking out attention or being glorified for their service. This is not saying that they should not be appreciated, but these are acts of service which are not done for the purpose of getting recognition. The actions of those who serve God in humility shows that they are trying to emulate Christ who served selflessly to the point of giving Himself up to die on the cross for all of us sinners.

2.  The Joy of Seeing the Body of Christ in Action

In Romans 12:4-5, we read that, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”  Just as the human body is made up of many parts with different functions, our spiritual family is made up of all of us, each with our own unique talents and roles to play. Every way that we serve God as ladies, whether visible or behind the scenes, is essential.

Some of our sisters are blessed with the ability to teach, and to share God’s Word with fellow sisters, visitors or children. Some of our sisters are blessed with the talent for organising events, offering their assistance in church events like June Camp, Vacation Bible School, Ladies/ Kids Fellowship etc. Some of our sisters are blessed with a talent for cooking, and always make it a point to prepare food which nourishes our physical bodies after consuming spiritual food during gatherings or home zone sessions. I am sure that you would have at least one name in mind when you think about a modern-day Tabitha (Dorcas) who is full of good works and charitable deeds (Acts 9:36-42).

There is joy when I observe that we are all serving together, the body of Christ in action to contribute in our own ways for a unified purpose of glorifying God. This joy comforts me, that we are all united with one goal: to meet our Lord in Heaven one day.

3. The Joy of Being Part of a Common Goal

In Romans 12:10-11, we read that we should “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” We have a responsibility to love one another, to honour each other and serve the Lord together diligently. When we observe the joy and love that results from serving in the Lord’s church, we also gain a greater sense of belonging. We will see a united front, a family striving together to do the Lord’s work.

Furthermore, when we witness others serve, it can ignite a spark within us to do the same. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we read “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” 

I feel inspired to do more when watching fellow sisters taking time to do the Lord’s work, be it teaching, helping out during events etc. Especially when we see how happy our sisters and brothers-in-Christ are when serving the Lord, how they prioritize serving in the church over secular engagements, it can inspire us to do the same or do even more! Likewise, it is possible for our actions to motivate and encourage others to serve when we serve as well.

The church should not be place where a few serve and others simply watch. It should be a place where everyone is busy playing their role, faithfully serving! The act of serving together provides opportunities for us to gather, worship, and encourage one another. By sharing the work, we also share in the joy and challenges of being part of God’s family. By serving together, we can comfort each other and edify one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

I experience joy in witnessing the service of our brethren, working alongside with me to do good work for our Lord. It may be the person who prays faithfully for the needs of others, the person who greets visitors with a warm smile or simply someone who stays back to help tidy up after an event held in the church building.

Service for the Lord does not need to be prominent like preaching/teaching, it sometimes may go unnoticed or taken for granted. However, let us remember that our efforts will not escape the eyes of God. It encourages me, it strengthens me that God knows what we are doing for Him.

Likewise, it scares me that God also knows what we are NOT doing for Him. This fear should catapult us into action, to serve Him to the best of our abilities, to be good stewards of the talents He has blessed us with!

So I urge all of us, let us serve together, let us encourage each other and let’s keep the following scripture in our hearts:

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:9-10)