1 Peter 4:10-11
Ever since I was a little kid, I enjoyed going to camp. In fact, as an adult, I have enjoyed
camp more. Here I am sitting in a cabin near a lake with kids screaming and playing
games outside. The counselors are tired and the staff is encouraging all to find joy in
everything.
This week I get to speak and be a positive encouraging influence on everyone. They let
me show up to their meetings, interject my jokes, add to the chaos all the while trying to
keep myself from getting more hurt. Deeper Life Bible Camp (DLBC) is just outside
Blackduck, MN serving kids from First Grade through College with camps designed for
each age group.
In their wisdom DLBC has assigned me to the 3 rd and 4 th graders, I get to tell stories,
clarify God’s word and challenge the campers, counselors and staff to a deeper
relationship with Jesus. Naomi is able to use her gifts to serve the camp making the
waterfront safer by tracking kids in and out of the water, lead a small group time and
pray for the staff. It is a blessing to see another camp do great things for the glory of
God.
1 Peter 4:10-11 has been on my mind this week as I serve at DLBC.
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good
stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who
is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is
serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be
glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever
and ever. Amen.
When you are in the microcosm of camp it is clear to see how this works. From
morning to evening camp doesn’t function without each person doing what God has
called them to do. Camp and the church need people who are willing to worship God
through serving one another in love. At camp we need a nurse, directors, cooks,
dishwashers, counselors, cleaners, activity and song leaders and finally a speaker. In
the church we need Elders and Pastors, Bible Study Leaders, Song Leaders, Children’s
Ministers, Greeters, Prayers, Worshippers, service teams and more.
There is great joy in being a full participant in camp and at church. To serve and be
served is the act of being a full participant. At camp we can see this service give and
take clearly, at church it is easy to fall into either fully serving or being served. It takes a
willingness to do what you have been called to do and a willingness to receive from
others.
I have shared how Naomi and I have served at camp, we have been served through
encouragement, good meals, prayer, cleaners, and being valued by those we serve
both at camp and in the church. My prayer for you is that you would find joy in
worshipping God through serving the church and being served by its people. If you get
a chance, take time to serve at camp, send your kids or go as a family to experience the
joy of serving or being served.