Service! What an interesting word. I thought I understood this word; after all, I spent almost ten years serving customers in eating establishments, and I’ve been a mom for almost five years. It wasn’t until recently that I learned what service really is.
I have been a stay-at-home mom for two years. This job has given me more responsibility with the upkeep of our home. This is not something I’m good at or like doing at all! I’ve been doing it though because it is my job. But God showed me that my definition of service was all wrong!
My motivation was about me and not Him. My attitude was “Poor me. I get it done because I have to.” And I truthfully wasn’t doing a very good job. Paul tells the Galatians, “Through love serve one another.”
We are pleasing God when we serve others. True servitude comes from a reverent fear of God. We cannot be sincere about allowing God to change us into His image without a deep respect for Him. Our motivation for serving Him, as well as others, must come from that respect.
I guess I was serving from the desire to receive rather than the desire to give. God will be pleased if we serve him cheerfully.
Memory Verse:
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve on another in love.”
– Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, remind me every day to praise and revere You; Show me ways that I can cheerfully serve You and others. Bring to my mind the people in my life that I can start serving….”
Contributing Writer:
April Atkinson
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