God's Model
My daughters have dressed up for Halloween since their first trick or treating adventure. They have been Disney princesses, woodland fairies, characters from movies, books and TV shows. Each one plans her costume, consults with the other sister and makes their costumes on their own, sometimes with a little help from mom. My girls have such fun being creative and enjoy the time they get to spend with each other. It would be so nice if we could just put on a certain outfit and become a model for Christ, but it doesn’t work that way.
“We need to model for our children and all children what it’s like to be Christ…Having them serve with us, as ushers, greeters, serving coffee, helping with communion is so important. ”
Each of us needs to be trained to model Christ, to have the fruits of the spirit and daily make a conscious effort to be like Christ. It’s not always easy to model Christ; thankfully we have the Holy Spirit to help us, to remind us and to empower us to be Christ-like. We have each other to encourage and come along side when things are hard. We have more than enough opportunities to use our gifts and talents for the good of others in what we do here at church, in our school, workplaces and community. We should be recognized as Christians by our good works. Titus 2:7 says, “Show yourself in all respects a model of good works.” This model of good works will look differently for each person. Some will be where others can see it, like singing in the choir, reading, serving communion, and many more, while others are not seen, baking bread, stuffing announcement pages, ushering, puppeteers among many other opportunities. Whether your good work is seen by others or not, it is seen by God bringing Him glory.
As adults, we are seen by children, and as most parents can tell you, children model their parents’ behaviors, attitudes and even actions. When children are small, it’s kind of cute, but what happens when the children get older? It loses its cuteness. We need to model for our children and all children what it’s like to be Christ. They need to see us serve others, using our gifts and talents to help those around us. Having them serve with us, as ushers, greeters, serving coffee, helping with communion is so important. Children can do almost anything an adult can do, but children need the model of a parent to encourage and stand next to them.
What are some of the ways you can help serve within our church this year? How is God asking you to be a model of good works? Get out your calendar and sit down and write in times and places where you can serve at church. Then sign up online or at the connecting point table. If you have any questions about serving at church let me know, I would love to help you find your place to model.
