Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Acts 3:6 (NKJV)

 

Our friendship and relationship with God will radically change the way we live and how we view life. When the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and early disciples, they boldly began to do things they had never done before or had been too afraid to try. With Christ in them, they began to give to others what they had received from Him.

Consider what Peter said to the lame man, "Silver and gold, I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

One thing we can learn from the early church is that they truly prioritised God—before ministry. Luke described the believers' devotion to prayer and worship. That means how they relate to God is more important than what they do for Him.

God always provides everything we need to serve Him. When we fully rely on God as our source and supply, we are liberated from the pressures of ministry and a performance-based identity. If you serve out of compulsion and obligation rather than love from and for the Lord, ministry becomes more drudgery than joy, a duty rather than a delight.

If you want to get the most out of your Christian life, you must learn to recognise the incredible beauty of your life in Christ.

You do not gain more power by engaging in prayer and worship. You already have all the power you require because of your position in Christ. However, it is only through intimacy with God through Scripture and the Spirit that you will learn how to use the grace bestowed upon you. Grace sets us free from the bonds of pleasing others and perfectionism. As we cling to Jesus like a branch to a vine, His grace will increase our productivity and fruitfulness.