Do I Have the Heart to Serve?

Many preconceived notions come with the idea of ministry. Like many, I shared those notions:
I did not think I was qualified enough.

I felt this way because the people I saw in ministry seemed so great. Many were theological scholars, seminary students, pastors, or individuals well-versed in the Bible. I saw them, and then looked at myself; in comparison, I felt insignificant.

I looked at myself and saw someone who knew many stories in the Bible. Also, I grew up in a Christian household. However, regardless of what I knew, I still did not think it was sufficient. In my eyes, someone who served in ministry had to be on another level. I could not quote Bible verses on command, nor did I have all the answers to the universe.

My inadequacy defined me.

So, for a long time, I was idle. Of course, I helped out in my local church; but, it felt like an obligation more than anything. Besides, what I did within my church was not overly demanding; not that much was asked of me. I wanted to do more, but fear paralyzed me from acting.

In addition to fear of the unknown, life started getting in the way. With age came the realization that time is fleeting, and it kept me from doing many things. I felt like I could not serve because I did not have time to. As a student, I barely had time to sleep; how could I juggle other responsibilities on top of school? Eventually, I realized that I was making a bunch of excuses.

A few years ago, a friend told me something that changed my entire perspective: there will never be the right time. This hit me so hard because I saw that I was making this all about me when it was not even about me. Serving is not about how much time we have, nor is it about our qualifications.

It is about the heart—do we have the heart to serve? Our bodies are merely a vessel for God to use to further His kingdom. When I fully came to understand this, the burden lifted off my shoulders.

Now, when I talk about servant-hood, I tell everyone that it is not about how good we are; it is about how much we love Jesus. After all, look at Jesus; “for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:24 NIV).

I love serving so much because it is unconventionally rewarding. Often, there is no monetary compensation; but, the joy received in making an impact is everything.

Life is ministry.

We're all called to serve. 








Gabrielle Yang—or as her friends like to call her, Gabby—is a recent graduate of Wingate University, with a major in English.  For as long as she can remember, she’s had a passion for writing. Along with a love for writing, she also has a serious case of wanderlust. Her favorite place that she has visited is Strasbourg, France! She is currently in a period of transition from student-life to adult-life, 
and is waiting on God’s timing to see what He has planned for her future. 

When she is not writing, you can find her nose-deep in literature 
or day-dreaming about the next adventure. 

You can see more adventures, as well as everyday life, on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyxng/

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