Countless ways to serve

by Janette Lange

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

… to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability … (Matthew 25:15).

Read Matthew 25:14–30

I know I must be closer to the end of my life than the beginning because I now receive a lot more emails about retirement planning! I’m not (quite) at retirement age yet, but I’ve already been thinking about what that might look like, planning how I’ll spend my time, getting advice, assessing my resources (financial, health, interests, etc.) and deciding the best way to deploy them.

I wonder whether I am as intentional about my relationship with God. Am I as prepared for this season of my faith journey as I am for retirement? How can I use the time I have left on earth to best serve God and those around me? These are important questions for each of us.

Like the servants in today’s reading, God has entrusted us with so many gifts and resources. Our time and energy, our money and possessions, our abilities and spiritual gifts, our relationships, even our very lives are all gifts from God for service in his kingdom. We don’t all receive the same skills and opportunities. But we are all called to faithfully serve with what God has entrusted to us and wherever God has placed us.

Those resources may vary at different stages of our life. Being employed or being a parent may be our vocation at this point. Earlier in life, we may have more energy. Later in life, we might have more time. Our health might be less robust, but we have wisdom and life experience instead. Perhaps we can be actively involved in ministry and our congregations. Or we can support God’s mission with prayer and finances. Perhaps God is calling us into a completely new adventure. There are countless ways in which we can serve and share the love of God!

Over the next few weeks, I encourage you to reflect upon all the skills, interests, gifts and resources with which God has blessed you. Then prayerfully consider how he is calling you to serve in this season of your life. Sometimes, it might even feel a bit scary or more than we can handle. But know that the One who equips us for service will sustain us and give us the strength we need.

Giver of all good things, thank you for the wealth of gifts and resources you have entrusted to me. Open my eyes to how you are calling me to serve you and those around me. Guide me and sustain me as I step out in faith with you. Amen.

• Click here to read previous devotions.
• We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
• Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.