AVAILABILITY
Availability is making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.
Availability in Scripture The Character of God
others, it is important to be free from clutter and distractions in your own life. How can you simplify your life so that you will be better able to serve? Do you observe timely bedtimes so you can arise refreshed in the mornings? Do you complete your schoolwork and chores early so that you have extra time to help others? In how many unnecessary activities are you involved? When you organize and streamline your personal life, you will have more time, energy, and resources to accomplish your tasks and help with others’ tasks, too, as you work together to advance the Kingdom of God.
• God is our Refuge and Strength, always available to us in our times of trouble. (See Psalm 46:1.) • Jesus was in Galilee to preach, but He turned His full attention to the leper who came to Him for healing. (See Mark 1:38–41.) • Jesus willingly laid aside His deity to become a servant and live among us and pay the penalty for our sin. (See Matthew 20:28.) • The Holy Spirit is available to pray on our behalf when we do not know how to pray. (See Romans 8:26.)
3. Help Your Leaders. Leaders are appointed by God. (See Romans 13:1–4.) When you are available to serve your parents, pastor, police officers, firemen, and city leaders, you are indirectly serving those who are under their care. You can begin serving your church and community leaders now by praying for them and asking the Lord to give you opportunities to lighten their load. Your availability and involvement will encourage your leaders to rule righteously as God commands them to do.
Key Concepts 1. Be Ready. Early in America’s history, Boston’s leaders recruited men who were willing to fight against the invading British army. These volunteers were called “minutemen” because they would be ready within a minute of being called! How long does it take you to answer a call to action? Are you willing to stop in the middle of a project? When the disciples had been so busy that they had not even had time to eat, Jesus invited them to rest awhile. (See Mark 6:31–42.) This enabled them to be refreshed and ready to serve others who would soon come for help and healing. Jesus desired that His disciples be as He was—available: ready immediately, willing to set aside one’s schedule and priorities for others.
Availability in My Life • II Corinthians 4:5—Is my motivation to make Christ known or to receive the credit and praise for myself? • Titus 3:1–2—How can I make myself available for good works?
2. Simplify Your Life. “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:3b-4). To be available to assist
• Hebrews 12:1—What in my life or schedule needs to be laid aside so that I can be wholly available for the Lord’s work? 1
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• Matthew 25:40—Who am I really serving when I help those who are in need?