The Spiritual Gift of Service
Service Gift — Romans 12:7
διακονίᾳ (dee-ak-on-ee’-ah) — /diá, through + /kónis, dust. Service so active it raises the road dust. The root picture is a runner in full motion — not a passive helper but one actively serving. This same word gives us deacon (διάκονος). Service is a support gift. God uses it to maintain the buildings and property, and to relieve the workload of other Christians.
Service as Defined
- Ministry (Spirit-empowered service) — MAR 10:43
- Helper (take the load off) — 1CO 12:28
- Service (of mankind) — MAR 9:35
- Office (position of service) — 1TI 3:10
- Relief — 2CO 9:12
Service as Named
Jesus said I am among you as he that serveth (LUK 22:27). Paul and Apollos were ministers by whom the Corinthians believed (1CO 3:5). The civil servant is also called a minister of God (ROM 13:4-5) — demonstrating that the gift operates beyond the walls of the church building.
Service as Ministry
Service is dependent upon God for strength, direction, balance, and rest. The gift sees the need and meets it — without fanfare, without recognition, and without complaint. It makes everything else possible.
Serving in Service
Avoid becoming a yes person — learn to say no. Avoid becoming the personal servant of people rather than God. Avoid overworking by maintaining the priority of God, family, and then church. Avoid envy, desiring the giftedness of others.