Pastor’s Corner: “The Art of Joyful Service”
Mark 10:45 (NLT) – 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Psalm 100:2 (NKJV) – 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
I read about a woman who walked into a gift shop and was greeted with a cheery “Good afternoon!” The young salesperson chatted brightly and pointed out the shop’s unique products, helped the woman choose a gift, and neatly wrapped her purchase. “You must really enjoy what you’re doing,” the woman said. “Actually, I hate it,” she replied. “I’m only doing this because I have to. I can’t wait till 6 o’clock comes so I can join my friends on the beach!” The salesperson had given the impression that she enjoyed her work. In reality, however, she was merely putting in the time.
As Christians, I wonder if we live like that. Do we greet people with a bright smile and pretend that we are serving God enthusiastically, even though there is no joy in our hearts? Some of us are masters at wearing a mask of joy when we are actually serving the Lord grudgingly out of a sense of duty.
If you’re a believer, you are a servant whether you know it or not. The question is, what kind of servant are you—eager, diligent, and joyful or evasive, reluctant, and irritable? Servanthood is a lifestyle every Christian should cultivate. However, that is not to say we must spend all our free time volunteering at church or the local soup kitchen. The Lord doesn’t divide our service into secular and religious categories or view one as more valuable than the other. His desire is for whatever we do to be done with a servant’s heart. Colossians 3:23 (AMP) – 23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.
Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving Him at all; they bring the form of loyalty, but the life is absent. Our God requires no slaves to grace His throne; He is the Lord of the empire of love, and would have His servants dressed in the uniform of joy. The angels of God serve Him with songs, not with groans; a murmur or a sigh would be a mutiny in their ranks. Obedience that is not voluntary is disobedience, for the Lord looks at the heart. If He sees that we serve Him from force and not because we love Him, He will reject our offering.
Our example is Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). As His representatives, we should consider what our actions, attitudes, and words convey to others. God doesn’t usually require great acts of sacrificial service each day; rather, He wants His children to make themselves available to meet needs, offer help, listen to others, and show kindness and hospitality. Imagine how we’d stand out in this self-focused culture if we, like Jesus, treated the needs of others as more important than our own!
If you understand how Jesus served you, then you will understand that serving is not what you have to do, it is what you get to do. We should not only want to serve others, but also do it gladly, willingly, and with joy in our hearts. Service is not just what you do; a servant is who you are when you become a follower of Jesus Christ. Serving is not just an action; it is an attitude. You should have serving hands because you have a servant’s heart. Remember, Jesus didn’t die on the cross for His sins; He died on the cross for our sins. He didn’t come to be served; He came to serve. The disciple’s life is a life of service; and God expects His people to serve joyfully and gladly!
Dear Lord, I want to live my life serving others joyfully and gladly. Please help me to have a joy-filled attitude whenever I have the opportunity to serve others so that I might honor and glorify you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton