Transformed – teen devotion – July 26, 2020

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:4-8

Serving Christ boldly . . . within Christ’s church

It’s often been said in Christian circles “young people are the future of the church.” While I understand the good intentions behind this saying, I disagree. You are not only the “future” of God’s church on earth, young friends. You are the “here and now.” Stop waiting, then, for some time in the future when you can get serious about growing in your faith and learning how to serve him with your life. Do it now! Rejoice in the opportunity to respond to our God’s goodness and to “serve Christ boldly.”

The way each of you and all of us serve is many and varied. The apostle Paul reminds us of something we need to hear—we’re all different. Yes, we are all members of “one body,” but we are all different parts of this “one body,” parts which “do not all have the same function.” God loves variety. Therefore, he who formed us in our mother’s womb has blessed us with different gifts and abilities to serve him in different ways. While these gifts are different, they are used for the same thing, “to praise the One who truly does give us all things.”

Dear young friends in Christ, thank you! Thank you for your passion, enthusiasm, and zest for life. Thank you for serving as young examples to older people about what it means to “serve Christ boldly” with lives of service to his holy name. As we close this month of devotions around that theme, please know today, tomorrow, and always that Jesus loves you! It’s not just a cute saying. It’s a timeless truth. Serve him, then. Say “thank you” with the way you praise him and the way you treat others. Serve him knowing your heavenly home is with him for all eternity in heaven.

Prayer: Lord God, what a blessing you have been in my life and in the ministry of my church. You have guided us; you have blessed us; you have kept us in your tender care. Watch over the ministry of our church, O Lord. Keep us always close to you and your Word that we might be strengthened in our faith and able to take on the devil and all his schemes. Compel our hearts to reach out to those around us with the gospel message we hold so dear. Amen.


Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Print Friendly, PDF & Email