Serving God in the way He wants is a key to spiritual growth. We all have our own opinion of what we believe is important but do we know what God wants? Itās not as hard as you think, reading His Word holds the answer to that question.
What Does the Bible Say About Service to God?
āTherefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vainā 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV.
Just as in everything, God wants us to give ourselves fully to His work. He is looking for evidence of our love and commitment. God carries out His plans through us and our time is not wasted. Did you realize that your obedience can be a blessing to someone else?
Jesus Christ is Our Example of Serving
āFor even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for manyā Mark 10:45 NIV.
We go right to the top, what was Jesusā attitude about serving God? His goal in life was to serve God by sacrificing Himself for our sin on the cross. He was always ready to serve.
āThe evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciplesā feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around himā John 13:2-5 NIV
This is quoted very often which is understandable. After all, the Son of God should expect royal treatment. Wouldnāt you? Jesus attitude was always to teach those around Him by example. Instead of special treatment for Himself, he began to wash the disciples feet.
Now, think about it. It was the custom for a servant or wife of the host to wash guestsā feet because they were dusty from the road. Britanica Not the best job in the house, but Jesus willingly served His disciples to show what thier attitude should be for others.
Why Should We Serve God?
āBut be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for youā 1 Samuel 12:24 NIV.
When we consider everything that has been created for us, the beauty of our surroundings, provision for our bodies and soul, our hearts should be zealous to serve our God with love. Itās also an act of obedience to His Word.
How Do I serve God?
āAnd whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through himā Colossians 3:17 NIV.
Serving God is not always contained within a list of to-doās. A word of kindness to someone whoās down does not seem to be a big deed, yet to them, it may change their day.
Having a quiet time each day with the Lord helps us stay focused and ready to serve Him. You could serve simply by teaching your children about who God is and how much He loves them.
Reading the Bible is the best source for learning how to serve God. He has given us written instructions for spiritual growth.
What is Acceptable Service to God?
āIf anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amenā 1 Peter 4:11 NIV.
Serving God is never about our āworksā. Itās always about our Lord and what He has done for us. Serving is love and gratitude to Him. This outpouring of love is then used to help others in whatever capacity is needed.
As we grow spiritually, we learn true service is not of ourselves. As it reads in the verse above, the strength to serve comes from what God provides. All for His Glory.
Benefits of Serving God
- āAnd do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleasedā Hebrews 13:16 NIV.
When we serve God, we are giving a part of ourselves for His glory and this pleases Him. What better benefit than to please the God of the Universe and reap His joy and blessings.
2. āIn everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: āIt is more blessed to give than to receiveā ā Acts 20:35 NIV.
By Paulās example, it can be hard work in serving Him. In return, Jesus says that we are blessed by giving.
3. āThough I am freeĀ and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,Ā to win as many as possibleā 1 Corinthians 9:19 NIV.
Paul considers himself to be free. Yet he places himself as servant to all so He can witness to them. What joy it is to bring someone to the Lord. Our heart reaps benefits from serving God.
4. āWhoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves meā John 12:26 NIV
Jesus tells us that as His servants we are to follow HIm and we will be with Him. God the Father honors our service.
Conclusion
Serving God is a call from Him to those who love Him. It is a wonderful gift to serve Almighty God. What better way to grow than allowing His Spirit to flow from us to others.
Everything is about God and what He has done for us. Spiritual growth is turning our lives over to the one who died for our sin and has given us a relationship with Him both now and in the future.
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