Jn.13v3-15: Jesus, knowing that the father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are you washing my feet”? Jesus answered and said to him, “what I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will know after this”. Peter Sid to him, “You shall never wash my feet”. Jesus answered him, “if I do not wash you, you have no part with Me”. Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head”. Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you. For He knew who would betray him; therefore, He said, “you are not all clean”. So when He had washed their feet, taken his garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “do you know what I have done to you? You call me teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

When it comes to serving the Lord, we need to be aware that there are proper ways of serving God and improper ways of serving God. Essentially, my focus in this series of teachings is to share the requirements of serving the Lord with you. Just like there are requirements to join the military or become a doctor or lawyer, there are also requirements to serve God. Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated some of these qualities in (Jn.13v3-15) as he ministered into his disciples. There are various lessons and truths to learn from this incidence that will change your attitude and perspective about service. And so without much ado, I will like to shed more light on these essential requirements.

THE REQUIREMENTS OF SERVICE:

1. Availability. If you cannot be available, you can’t serve the Lord effectively. God does not use people by proxy but in person. Nehemiah was available; that was why God could use him. Timothy was available; that was why God could use him also (Philip.2v19, 25). Are you available for God to use you? God readily use available people and not able people. So my dear reader, it’s time to make yourself available? It’s time to deal with the things that is stopping or hindering you from being available (2Tim.2v2).

2. Willingness. Without your willingness, you cannot serve the Lord. Service is a matter of choice and not by chance, coincidence or compulsion. Serving God should come from your heart not something you do by force or cohesion. God never uses force to make us to serve him. It’s always a voluntary or wiling issue, so please don’t serve God if you are unwilling. An unwilling person is a great hindrance to God, for God can only use a willing or surrendered vessel. Are you willing to do his bidding, his will, and follow his instructions? (2Cor.9v7; Exo.15v2)

3. Determination. It takes persistence to serve God. Without a strong sense of determination, you can’t serve God effectively because there will be discouragement and disappointments in your efforts to serve the Lord. When these challenges or unpleasant moments come, this is not the time to run away but the time to brace yourself up. Quitters never Win and Winners never Quit. You must be ready to fight off opposition and persecution as you serve the Lord. So never say never. Never give up on your faith. Never give up the fight. For you will win as you persevere in Jesus name. so hold unto your faith. Keep your eyes on him always and your foot won’t be taken. As you persevere, you will possess your possession in Jesus name (1Cor.15v58; Jos/1v6, 7, 9).

Dearly beloved, God’s grace will keep and continue to sustain you in the battles of life that comes your faith. Your service will not be in vain. As you embrace these qualities in the place of your service to God, your life will never be the same again.

Other Scriptural References: (Acts 15v26: 14v22; Jos.24v15; 2Cor.8v12; Isa.6v8; 1Pet.5v2; Eph.6v7; Acts 13v22).

Prayer for Today: Father God, I receive your enabling grace to serve you in the way you ought to be served in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: I embrace the culture and spirit of service. I make myself available for his service. I am a willing tool and vessel in his hands. I am determined to serve the Lord no matter the struggles or challenges that may come my way. My heart and mind is on serving God. Therefore, I receive grace to serve you, Father, to the very end in Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Yemi Adeoti

Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.