A Faith that Serves - Frank Neudorf
After coming to faith in Christ, the question naturally arises: what now? Scripture gives us clear direction for life after salvation. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God. This means our lives are no longer our own; we belong to Christ, bought with His blood. Our daily choices, actions, and even our physical bodies are to be used for His glory. This is not a one-time act, but an ongoing surrender, echoing Jesus’ own words: “Not my will, but yours.”
We are also called to resist being shaped by the world’s values and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The world’s thinking is often at odds with God’s truth, so we must intentionally allow God’s Word to reshape our thoughts, convictions, and desires. This renewal is the foundation for discerning God’s will and living a life that is good, acceptable, and perfect in His sight.
Humility is essential in this journey. We are warned not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought, but to recognize that every ability and opportunity we have is a gift of God’s grace. Each believer is uniquely gifted and placed within the body of Christ. Just as a physical body has many parts, each with its own function, so too the church is made up of many members, each necessary and valuable. No one is insignificant; even the unseen or “weaker” members are vital for the health and mission of the whole.
Serving is not reserved for a select few. Every believer has been given a spiritual gift to be used for the building up of the church and the advancement of God’s kingdom. Whether it’s teaching, serving, giving, leading, or showing mercy, all are needed. The call is to discover, develop, and deploy these gifts in love, for without love, our service is empty.
Barriers to serving—feelings of inadequacy, guilt from the past, comparison, or lack of love—are addressed by the gospel. Christ redeems, equips, and calls each of us. The church is not a spectator sport; all are called to get out of the stands and onto the field. In Christ, we find our purpose, our place, and our calling to serve as part of His body.