Set Apart... to serve

This week I have been on the Catawba Indian Reservation as an assistant Project Coordinator as the night Worship Speaker with World Changers in Rock Hill, SC. I have seen God work in so many ways, it just is amazing. Roofs are being repaired, lives changed.....
This morning, I helped with an interview of one of the residents, Mary Wallace, a senior adult lady, with one leg, who was so overwhelmed by the presence of God in her life, I was incredibly encouraged by her testimony. While she was sharing, over 20 students and adults were working on her roof above, she was teary about the thought of the project being completed, because that would mean the Student Crew would be leaving..... She said, "I am glad that my house was in such bad condition that caused these beautiful students to come into my life... God has sent them."
I have committed my life to be a servant. But in times like this, when I am just volunteering to serve in ways like this, I have to ask a question to myself. If I merely 'choose to serve', I keep some of the control for myself. I am still in charge of what tasks I will actually perform. I might even worry that people would take advantage of me. I may even be concerned how others will react to me. Yet... .if I choose to be a 'servant of Christ'...., I have discovered what is different. In doing this, I give up the reins of my life. I am 'set apart' as a follower of Christ. I surrender my desire to take control. I voluntarily give up my rights, and choose to allow Christ, as my Master, to direct my path. Then, it does not matter what, when or where... I am still His servant... in formal ways, and "random" conversations with any person I will meet. That is being 'set apart' to follow Him.
John 15:5 says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Remain a servant of Christ, not just a servant, and you will see the fruit.... I am a witness, the fruit sprouting in front of my eyes is abundant and eternal.