Keys to Serving Success

The first key to serving success is having a willingness to serve. Serving God on the mission field was an easy way for me to step into ministry.

I first did physical tasks and later grew in ministry gifts and higher management. I want to serve God in Haiti in an even greater way. I also enjoy doing ministry while I visit the U.S. The mission field is any place on planet earth. It is God’s field. A person works naturally where he is called and gifted. Haiti can be a harsh environment and much of the work is physical. The work is both sacrificial and rewarding. I really do not look for an earthly reward. Instead, I look for an eternal reward. It is a joy and privilege to be able to work in Haiti. I only wish I had another lifetime to serve God. The stories of triumph and trials are countless. I see God at work every day.

The second key to serving success is being yourself. We are to be genuine. If God calls you to a task, He will also equip you. People learn differently. Charles Spurgeon did not go to Bible college. He just started preaching and ended up having his own library of 12,000 volumes. I went to Bible college and enjoyed the experience overall. We each have different gifts, and are uniquely made. We only need to look to God to find favor and approval. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27

The third key to serving success is forgiving others and ourselves. Many people are not productive because they are focusing on the negative experiences in their lives. The Bible tells us God has cast our sins into the depths of the sea. I have to dust myself off at times and lift my spirits and recognize the blessings in my life. Many of us have had various trials in our lives. Allow the trials to make you stronger. We can either focus on our brokenness and needs or meditate on how God has wonderfully made us and redeemed us. The secret to successful Christian living is to daily surrender. We need to give it all to God and to surrender our broken heart and spirit to God. It is a sin to hold on to hurt. We are not walking in love if we are holding on to past offenses. The joy of the Lord should be our strength. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;” Psalm 121:1-3

The fourth key to serving success is pursuing godliness. God needs to be able to work through us. “The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29) We are commanded to pursue Godliness. We need to be careful sin does not slowly creep into our lives. I did not write the code of Christian ethics. Godliness is a lifelong pursuit. The ten commandments is a good place to refresh our minds regarding Christian ethics. ~Charlie DeTellis