The Joy of Serving
We live in a time where so many people feel like the rest of the world owes them something. We have Lawsuits because we don’t like an outcome. Kids expect to get what they want when they want it. Workers who do basic labor somehow think that they have a right to share in the riches of the CEO and management. Many teens don’t even look for work, expecting to be taken care of. That is not the call God put on our hearts, and it is not the example that He set for us. Jesus’ own words claim that He didn’t come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Think about that... Jesus came to serve. In contrast, there many who pray, mainly when they are in need, for God to help them. Help me get a job. Help me to score well on a test. Don’t let anyone find out what I did. Help my team to win. Does that seem to line up with the example Jesus left for us? Now, I’m not saying we can’t pray for those things, but it should not be our main focus. We hear about the gifts of the Spirit that include teaching, leading, serving, being generous, etc. These gifts are not given for the benefit of the one who receives it but rather puts a greater responsibility on the one who has the gift to use it in service to God. King David was a great king, but he knew where his power came from. He tended sheep, fought Goliath, played the harp for King Saul and wrote many Psalms (hymns) about who God is and how much we depend on Him. There are many others that illustrate the need for us to serve God. Even the great Prophets were called by God and were required to share what God spoke to them, even if they were killed for sharing that word. I would also like to share that serving the Lord isn’t a punishment or hard labor. It is an honor to be about God’s work. One of the Psalmist clearly describe the desire to serve God... “Better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the tents of the wicked” (Psalm 84). We get lost fighting for our rights rather than living in service to God. The world might bring momentary joys, but in the end, it brings eternal condemnation. The joy of serving is not about personal gain, but rather a privilege to serve the Creator God. Father, You have gifted each person differently. Fill our hearts with a joy and satisfaction as we use those gifts to honor You. Amen