“….to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up….”  (Ephesians  4:12) 

We live in a self-service society.  Too often I drift toward doing things myself instead of building a team.  Sometimes it is easier to do it yourself.   And here is a scary thought-----some things can be learned and done without others and even without God’s help.    But service in His kingdom is about working together, each of us doing our part in the building up of the body in His empowering presence. 

I was in New Jersey recently, and drove up to a pump to fill up with gas.  As I studied the pump, I couldn’t find the credit card slot.    I began to get a little embarrassed that I couldn’t figure out how to work the thing.  Then I heard a voice behind me, “Need help, sir?”   When I saw the uniformed attendant I remembered that New Jersey is a full service state. 

God is full service.  In fact, “I can do nothing without him.”   And by His empowering we serve Him, together----not by self.  We have the privilege of being service attendants to help people fill up (Ephesians 5:18) with the help of others in service to others.