The answer to “how” …

The “how” is one of the most common questions asked by pastors, especially younger pastors less experienced in ministry.

“How do we get people to want to serve in the church?”

“How do we get people to want to serve people in the community?”

“How do we get people who call themselves Christians to behave like Christians?”

There’s a long (more detailed) answer, and a short answer. I’ll share with you the short answer:

Teach them to fall in love with Jesus Christ.

By doing so, you will see real change. They will stop blocking the Holy Spirit from transforming their lives, and they will pursue different desires. Kind of like this:

A group of teens were enjoying a party when someone suggested they take their party to a certain restaurant for a good time.

“I’d rather you take me home,” Jan said to her date. “My parents don’t approve of that place.”

“Afraid your father will hurt you?” one of the girls asked sarcastically.

“No,” Jan replied, “I’m not afraid my father will hurt me, but I am afraid I might hurt him.”

To be a Christian is to have a love relationship with God, our heavenly Father. Because His love fills our lives, it grieves Him when we are willfully disobedient or pursue desires different from His. But because we love Him, we desire to please Him rather than cause Him grief.

“If you love me, obey my commandments,” John 14:15.

Earnestly fall in love with Jesus Christ and you will find yourself sharing His desires.

And no preacher will have to plead with you to serve Christ’s church or the lost!

Scotty