Joe Wilson
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)
I must admit, once I left the military I really struggled with finding my purpose. While I was serving in the Air Force I felt as if I had a purpose. I had a very fulfilling and honorable purpose. To be completely transparent, I was not saved at this point, and battled with life in the “Civilian World,” or so I thought this was the issue. The real issue was I was constantly searching and striving to find that purpose and brotherhood I desperately missed. I sure wish I knew then what I understand now. It was in 2001 that I accepted Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior and it was then and there my true journey began. It began my journey to finding my purpose again.
As I was navigating my Christian infancy, I was still very self-centered. Basically, it was still all about me and what this Christian thing could do for me. Fast forward a few years and I started to receive small opportunities to serve within the church and I did so begrudgingly, but at that point in my life, it was still all about me and the accolades I received. Proverbs 11:2 (KJV) warns us, “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
Why have I confessed all this to you? As my walk with Christ has matured over the last 20 years, I have found so much joy in serving God and others that it is hard to put into words. It is not about me. It is about knowing and following the example Jesus has provided, “Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
What is the takeaway? I have found what I was looking for and so can you. I have again found my brotherhood and so can you. I have found my purpose and so can you! We can be part of something so much bigger than ourselves and do this together! If you have questions, ask. Ask what serving God and others can look like for you. The next time you see a “Join the Team” table, step out in faith and ask the question, “What does serving look like for me?”
“Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends”
John 15:13 (KJV)