As the FGBMF begins 2002, how fitting it is to be reminded of the example of our Lord Jesus that our lives are to be used in His service. Service or diakonos is central to the Christian's life-service to God the Father, to His Son, to the Law of God, to one another and, most of all, to those who have yet to come to know Him.

Diakonos means to care for someone else's needs with the intention of helping. Like Jesus' disciples, however, we so often strive for fame, position and reward, forgetting that the One whom we call our Lord and Master spurned these things on earth, preferring instead to love and serve.

We bring the spirit of the age - self-centredness, idolatry and disunity - into our workplaces, homes and churches. We impatiently demand to be served and then find reasons to complain about what we receive.

Our understanding of service to God has been distorted. When God appointed Aaron and his sons as priests, He said, "I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift." (Num. 18:7b)

Imagine: even our service to God is a gift from Him rather than our gift to Him!

Why is it a gift from Him? FGBMF brothers who have served long and hard in God's vineyards will testify of His unfathomable goodness, mercy, love and power. They will be able to bear witness that with service, their faith has been strengthened and assurance of their hope made unshakeable.

This is what the Apostle Paul must have meant when he said that the gospel is not about wise and persuasive words but the demonstration of the Spirit's power. (1 Cor. 2:4) Those who are given fully to His service are able to see God's mighty power in operation!