First, pursue holiness. Why do you want to serve? The Bible says: “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness” (Rom 6:13). In other words, we serve because our bodies must be used do holy things. If we do not serve, then we will naturally use our bodies to do sinful things. You serve not to feel good although you will feel good. You serve not because the church is short of manpower although it’s true that your service will lighten others’ load. You serve because you have a responsibility to do things that are holy. This means that when you serve God, you are also telling God and people that you desire holiness in your life. If you want to serve God, you must first make up your mind to put away sin and pursue holiness. Make this decision. Then Dedication Sunday will be meaningful.
Second, be faithful. When you join in the Dedication Sunday ceremony, you are promising God that when it is your turn to serve, you will be present and will do your best. That includes preparing your hearts to serve God. If you wish to serve in more important capacities, first show that you will be faithful in less important duties. This is also the principle set in God’s Word.
Jesus once told a parable about some servants. He gave three servants some money to invest. One was not faithful. God took the money from unfaithful servant and gave it to the most faithful servant. The reason the master did that was this:“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Matt 25:21); “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Mat 25:29). If you want to do important work for the Lord, first show that you can be trusted with less important duties.
Third, be united. Paul once wrote to a church in Philippi, specifically addressing two women leaders who were quarelling: “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (Phil 4:2); “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Phil 4:5). Encourage your co-labourer. Be kind and gentle. Your aim in service is to build lives. Before you can build others, you must first be able to build the person who is closest to you: your co-labourer. If you can’t encourage the person who is closest to you, your co-labourer, it is pointless to talk about building or encouraging others. If you are truly serving God, you will build up others not only by your service but also by your kindness, faithfulness and wisdom.
Fourth, you should serve according to your giftedness. Every Christian received a gift from the Holy Spirit when he or she believed in Jesus. Serve in the area which the Lord has gifted you (Rom 12:3-8). Only then will you be effective because the Lord will use you through your gift.