The Compelling Reason!

Our society looks for and exalts the professionals, not the amateurs. However, who might find the most joy in what they are doing? And what is the reason behind the actions being performed? You might find it interesting to note that one dictionary source gives the first definition for the word “amateur” as “somebody who does or takes part in something for pleasure rather than for pay.” [source: Microsoft ® Encarta ® Encyclopedia, © 2002] Yes, the professionals get paid the big bucks. That may be the very thing which drew them to their profession and keeps them there. However, the thing that compels the amateur is simply the pleasure derived from the activity and that seems to be true whether we are talking about amateur athletes, musicians, or whatever. In fact our English word “amateur” comes from the Latin, “amator” (lover) and the French “amare” (to love). [source: Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, © 1971] It is LOVE for the activity which motivates the amateur’s involvement.

Paul referred to those who were…
“(5) …depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, IMAGINING THAT GODLINESS IS A MEANS OF GAIN. (6) Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, (7) for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” ( 1 Timothy 6:5b-7 ESV)

Certainly “the laborer deserves his wages.” ( Luke 10:7) Jesus said so! But if financial gain is the reason I preach then I would probably spend a good deal of time looking for the “team” where I could get paid the most instead of focusing on the work at hand. Some might even say that if it was money that was so important an entirely different profession ought to be pursued. Key to sticking with many endeavors is the possession of a LOVE for what one is doing.

It is true there are many professionals who do truly love what they are doing and many of notoriety who appear to have remained humble and helpful to others. However, a challenge faced by some professionals is that of letting self get in the way or allowing all the attention on them to go to their head.

There can be great glory in being an “amateur” servant of God in the true sense of the word. To possess a LOVE for people and a LOVE for the truth of God’s Word are both topnotch qualities to be found in the lives of God’s servants. Such a passion is what God desires to grow within us and it will not escape His notice.

The Hebrew writer noted…
“(10) For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and THE LOVE THAT YOU SHOWED FOR HIS SAKE IN SERVING THE SAINTS, AS YOU STILL DO. (11) And we desire each one of you to SHOW THE SAME EARNESTNESS to have the full assurance of hope UNTIL THE END, (12) so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” ( Hebrews 6:10-12 ESV)

Let us allow sincere LOVE to continue to be the compelling force in the service of our lives to the glory of God.

Have a great day SERVING GOD FOR THE LOVE OF IT!
Carl

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