CHOSEN TO SERVE, Acts 6:1-7

In his inaugural address on 20th January 1961 John F. Kennedy said “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”.
Rob mentioned on this Sunday that just after he became a Christian he was asked “what do you want to get out of church?”. Now, I do understand the question and it's use to begin a thought process and a discussion and there is a sense that we do need to get something out of church. During a chat with Dima the other day about lighting a fire we talked about needing several logs together to keep a fire burning and the analogy of needing to meet regularly with other Christians to keep the fire alight. There's also the concept of iron sharpening iron too. From time to time every one of us becomes needy through bereavement, disappointment or despair and are, quite rightly, desperate to receive love, prayer, comfort and practical help.
However, I have for many years realised that, as a rule, when we meet together the best stance is to come “to give” rather than always coming along “to get” and, more generally in church life, to have a serving attitude.

What great sermon from Gordon about having a serving attitude.

He acknowledges the many in Christ Church that serve sacrificially in so many ways. It has impressed me while working on the website the breath and depth of the many creative ways people serve and, whether they realise it or not, help to spread the good news and touch the lives of many.
Of course we've all heard “it's better to give than receive” but, strangely, we do receive so much back when we serve.
Notice from the passage how highly prized and respected were those who merely served at tables.
Let's be encouraged to... ask not what your church can do for you but rather, ask what you can do for the Kingdom of God.