Serve Where You Are Planted
Nehemiah 3:28 Like the people of Jerusalem rebuilding the wall, we are called to serve where we are planted.
7/13/20261 min read
Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. Nehemiah 3:28 (NKJV)
Rebuilding the wall and gates of around Jerusalem was a team effort and was completed in fifty-two days because the families of the tribe of Judah all worked together, each taking ownership of their own part. Eliashib the high priest was the first to start with the Sheep Gate and each family, no matter their trade worked on getting the wall repaired. Priests, rulers, goldsmiths, perfumers, carpenters, and local community members, all worked under Nehemiah’s leadership to restore Jerusalem’s defenses.
Like the people of Judah, we are called to serve the church where we are planted, taking ownership of our personal tasks and doing it for the glory of God. Colossians 3:23–24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” We don't need to teach a lesson, go on a mission, or lead worship to serve God, but we need to serve from our hearts no matter what we do. God counts service all the same when it comes from the heart, no matter if it is teaching on Sunday or bringing a communion cup to an elderly person. We serve God faithfully when we choose to bring our kids to church each week, praying with them and leading by example.
Make a conscious decision to serve God where you are planted, letting the Holy Spirt guide you to where God wants you to serve. Serve with a joyous heart, showing the love of Jesus to those around you. Use your gifts and resources to bless others that builds a community and brings people to God. It may be a friendly act and a warm smile that you give a person coming to your church for the first time that brings them to Jesus. Remember that God can use you, no matter how you serve, to bring someone to Christ, as long as you choose to serve where you are planted.