Prerequisites to Christian Service
When I was in college I would sometimes see a course I wanted to take, but discover I had to complete other classes before I could take the one I wanted. My desired course had prerequisites. Sometimes I didn’t want to fulfill the requirements and missed out on the course I wanted.
That is generally true in life. We can’t become a school teacher without a certificate. We can’t be in the finals of a race without qualifying heats.
In Christian service, the fundamental requirement is saving faith in Christ Jesus.
David and Isaiah had to confess their sins and be forgiven before being put in service.
David confession and forgiveness
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin … Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…. (Psalm 51:2, 10)
David service (teaching and praise)
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You…Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. (Psalm 51:13.15)
Isaiah confession and forgiveness
Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lordof hosts. Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.” (Isaiah 6:5-7)
Isaiah service (prophesy)
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” He said, “Go, and tell this people… (Isaiah 6:8–9)
Our service
As Christians, we are all in service to God.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)
Requirements
You may, or may not, need to confess something in order to be put in service. Examining ourselves is always good practice, however. (See The Examined Life)
You may, or may not, need to be faithful in a particular job prior to being put into service where you want.
Pray and listen for God’s next steps for you.
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Thank You—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—for the opportunity to serve You, for the gifts You gave me to enable my service, and for Your presence as I walk in Your way.
