Why we can’t grow spiritually if we do not serve others?

Peace to you, dear children of God, who are reading „Daily Word for Spiritual Edification”! I believe that the Lord is making you even stronger through the word of wisdom which He has given us this day.

Yesterday we talked about three types of believers – observers, consumers and servants. We saw that observers indifferently observe the things going on around them. They typically are the main critics and judges of those who want to do something for God and people. The problem of consumers is that they only care for their own problems and want someone to solve them.

With tears Paul spoke of the people that act like they were enemies.

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame – who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that is may be conformed to His glorious body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Филип.3:17-21).

The third type of believers is servants. Servants are the ones that are on the giving end. It is more blessed to give than it is to receive. We all like to receive, but if we want to be truly blessed we need to look for opportunities to give.

Jesus said that the rivers of living water will flow out of those who believe in Him:

«”He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified» (John, 7:38-39 ).

«Rivers of living water» – it is not stagnant water; it is running water. It is the symbol of life and blessing. There is a source in me; it is there to fulfil the needs of others. God does not want this source to be stopped up; He wants the waters to flow out of it.

«..but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life» (John, 4:14).

Jesus said that there is a fountain of water inside of us springing into everlasting life. Let’s look at the phrase „springing up into”. As long as we fellowship with God, life flows from Him into us. The life of Christ flows into us. God’s blessings, life, love, grace and mercy flow from Him into us. We have a fountain inside of us, Jesus said so. «But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life » (John, 4:14).

But God does not want us to simply have a fountain in us. If we only receive and not give out, we won’t be blessed. There is another verse of Scripture where Jesus says: «He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water» (John, 7:38). The water of life flows into us; then these living waters should flow out of us to others!

Here is one of the reasons why we can’t grow spiritually if we do not serve others. If we do not serve we become like those who only receive and not give out. Sooner or later such a person starts to stink spiritually. Look at any body of water that water flows into but doesn’t flow out of. After some time this water becomes stagnant and lifeless.

Where does the title of Dead Sea come from? The Dead Sea has no life in it, and it is very salty. Right by it there is another sea, called the Sea of Galilee? It is totally different because water does not only flow into it; it also flows out. Jesus said that our lives must be like the sea which receives and give out.

Do you want to see spiritual growth in your life? We will grow on one condition: if we learn to give – continually, daily – to meet the needs of other people. It says in the Bible: «He who believes in Me… out of his heart will flow rivers of living water». Ministry is very important because that is where we find true fulfilment and satisfaction. God wants us to be satisfied. It is only possible through serving others. When God is happy with us, we are also happy with ourselves, because we bear fruit in this life.

I wish you to find God’s blessings that are hidden in ministry!

Pastor Rufus Ajiboye