Service- with a smile
Apparently training to work in
Starbucks, involves telling people to smile and be friendly. Employees need to
be told to be friendly.
We all have got gifts but how to
use them? In 1 Chronicles 23:4-5 there is a long list of different gifts and
roles the Levites should employ. Some were to help in the service of the temple
of the Lord, some to supervise building work, to be officials and judges,
gatekeepers or worship leaders. There was recognition of different gifts and
roles but all in service to the Lord.
In Micah 2 false prophets are
condemned for misusing their gifts, even promising endless wine and beer to
some people, v 11.
1 Peter 4 has some very practical
advice. Look again at v 8-11.
8 Above all,
love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer
hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you
should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful
stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone
speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone
serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things
God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for
ever and ever. Amen.
Gifts are not for our own use but for service of others; we are stewards
of the gifts given to us. I like the emphasis on no grumbling when offering
hospitality, a much underrated gift. Why not invite someone round today, for
coffee or a meal? Don’t just say “I’ll have to have you round sometime.” Do it
without grumbling, beware saying “O, they never invite me around.”
Remember most important to cover everything we do with love, deep love,
and with a smile of course
(Member of Christ
Church