Heart Of The Matter!

Serving is a good thing and there are various ways in which we can serve. However, the manner in which we serve is important to consider. During the early years of the growth of Christianity, Paul urged slaves to consider their ATTITUDE OF SERVITUDE by viewing their service not as merely being done to men, but as being done unto the Lord. ( Ephesians 6:7) This service was to be done “with a SINCERE HEART” ( Ephesians 6:5 ESV) as they recognized themselves as being “servants of Christ doing the will of God FROM THE HEART.” ( Ephesians 6:6 ESV) Half-hearted service usually does not produce very good results. It also can make the tasks being performed to feel as a drudgery. ATTITUDE OF SERVITUDE not only impacts the manner in which one serves, but also the disposition that accompanies the service being performed.

This attitude is also important to consider in our focus on God and the specific things of which He has called us to be involved. As Joshua was nearing the end of his leadership of the nation of Israel, he called them to consider their ATTITUDE OF SERVITUDE to God.

We read. . .
“(14) Now therefore FEAR THE LORD and SERVE HIM IN SINCERITY AND IN FAITHFULNESS. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and SERVE THE LORD. (15) And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.” ( Joshua 24:14-15 ESV)

It was decision time and Joshua had made his! Were the people ready to make theirs? Have we made ours? That decision will ultimately be reflected in the manner in which we serve the purposes of God. Are we also focused to serve God in SINCERITY AND FAITHFULNESS? God is well aware of the heart we bring to the tasks we perform. To serve God in SINCERITY is to possess a genuine desire to serve and fulfill His purposes. To serve God in FAITHFULNESS is to be true to His calling and plan rather than serving our own desires and plans.

We should remember it is possible to be involved in good works without actually serving the Lord’s Will. (note Matthew 7:21-23) May our service to God and others be clearly marked by a SINCERE AND FAITHFUL HEART that has surrendered to the quest of ultimately pleasing God and glorifying Him as He fulfills His great work through us. In all things let it truly be the Lord we are serving!

Have a great day WITH HEART HUMBLED FOR GOD HONORED SERVICE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Service