Christianity is sometimes presented as the ultimate self-improvement program, and many Christians busy themselves almost exclusively with their own spiritual development to the neglect of the service of God and other people.
God loves for us to grow into all that He created us to be. He delights when we prosper as people. It’s just important that in all the blessing of God working within us, to remember it is not just all about us. He also wants to equip and energize us to be able to serve others. To turn our focus on occasion outward, and work through us to affect the world for good and to share His blessings.
The first step, then, is to take on the thought of any acts of service as an outworking and overflow of the fullness in our hearts of knowing and discovering God. Service stems from how we have connected in prayer, and how we have grown to love him more through studying Him.
Our day to day “common business,” no matter how mundane or routine, is a medium and outworking of our love for God. The issue is not the sacredness or worldly status of the task but the motivation behind it. “Nor is it needful that we should have great things to do. . . We can do little things for God; I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of him. (Brother Lawrence; Pursuit of His presence)
Mother Teresa said “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love. She also said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” It’s not all about what we do, but how we do it. We prevent serving becoming just another thing to do, when we focus on serving with great love, regardless of how big or small it is.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone,”(Galatians 6:10)
“So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might,” (Colossians 1:10-12)
We don’t have to make serving God and others a “work”, that we have to drag up from somewhere inside ourselves. If we feel like its a chore, it is a good idea to check how the other 2 spokes of the wheel which consist of prayer and studying Him, are in place . (See may 23rd-24th blogs). We give and serve most effectively and joyfully when it comes from the overflow of our hearts.
Today simply spend time with Him, and then listen to the promptings He gives of where and how to serve and bless others.
Prayer: Lord help me to understand that serving is not to be seen as a chore but as a direct overflow of my heart and love for you and my fellow man. When I am striving or making it all about “works” remind me to strengthen myself in you, so that serving becomes a joy again. In Jesus Name Amen.
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