Service: Able to do Well

Text: Eph. 4:7-12

A life of service shines. It can never be hidden. Though it goes unnoticed by men, yet it speaks great things both in time and eternity. It is as a light that shines. The work of light is to shine. John 1:5. The strength of our salvation is service. It is the most ennobling work that man can ever do, for it does not seek its own good only, but much more the good of others. We are saved to serve God as wise and faithful stewards of time, money and other resources; “for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”. Mark 10:45.

The Bible commands us to give ourselves completely to God to be used for His purposes, because that is the only way that our lives can count for something good. Rom. 6:13. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10. In love, God has granted us the privilege to approach His presence and to serve Him. Let us therefore walk with Him in love, giving ourselves wholly to His service even as Christ, for our sakes, offered Himself as a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. Eph. 5:2. We cannot truly live apart from Him, for our satisfaction and fulfilment comes when God is being glorified in us. My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus. Acts 20:24 (NLT)

Guidelines for Service (John 12:24-26)

We must recognise Jesus Christ as Lord and Master, and ourselves as His servants. John 5:20. Our service cannot be approved of God if we do not acknowledge Him.
Service is not something we do for God but something God does through us. It is not to be done by our human and intellectual strength but by the grace the Lord enables in us. It is only the service done by the Spirit of God in us that is pure and acceptable in His sight. Phil. 1:13.
We must realise that no matter whom we serve humanly, it is the Lord God that we are truly serving. It is Him that will reward everyone who has been faithful in their duty posts. Therefore let us not shrink or reserve ourselves from anything God calls us to do, both in the church and in the society.

When we serve the lord as Master and God (2 Sam. 23:14-170, it will affect:

Our focus on what we do. We will not give ourselves to vain things that exist only to distract us from serving God. His love will fill our hearts to the extent that nothing else, however appealing, can remove our focus from Him.
The quality of our service. We will be willing to sacrifice more of ourselves for His cause even when it takes us out of our comfort zone. Daniel was appointed by the king to serve so that the king might not suffer any loss. Our service must be of the best quality so that the Kingdom of God might advance.
Our motivation: God is much more concerned with the motive behind every service rendered unto Him much more than the service itself. He is looking for true worshippers in heart and life; people who are not seeking for honour or gain for themselves but for God to be glorified in all things.

Jesus descended and ascended in order to fill all things, to enable us to serve God acceptably. Therefore,

Let us serve God with our spiritual gifts, not with our human talents.
We must realise that we cannot serve God and ourselves at the same time. Our will must be subservient to His will for He is wise above all.
We must serve God with commitment and loyalty. Faithfulness in serving God brings joy to His heart.

How To Know Whom We Serve

We are serving God:

When our primary concern is the needs of others, the glory of God and the work of the Kingdom. We do not exist for ourselves but for God and His cause.
When we are willing to make necessary adjustments in our daily lives according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes this might be very painful.
When we are operating with the spirit of humility. We are willing to render all glory to God when little fruits begin to show forth from our service unto God because we realise that it is He that has done the work. We are only instruments privileged to be used by Him.

We are serving self:

When we are concerned about other people’s opinion than about what God thinks or says. Aaron gave in to the pressures of the Israelites made an idol for them, which was against the will of God.
When we are constantly seeking compliments. If we serve God with the intention to be praised by men, that is all we will get. What a waste of time, effort and life!
When we are deceptive and want something in return. A hireling has no real interest in the work except for something he can gain from it. In vain does he serve his interests, thinking that he is serving God.

Benefits of Service

(Ex. 23:25-26; Eph. 4:11-12)

It is the key to enjoying total liberty. They will speak for us in places where our influence and personality cannot. Acts 9:39
A bright future is sure as we invest in God’s service. Always look out for opportunities, both in the church in the society to give. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
As we bear fruits in good works, God commits Himself to our health by purging diseases and afflictions from our bodies.

What Should Be Our Attitude

(Rom. 12:9-10)

Let our hearts be filled with tender love and affection, both for God and for mankind. This will help us in serving God cheerfully, not under a sense of compulsion.
Be kind to one another with brotherly love, putting others before ourselves in honour. Seek for opportunities to serve others without expecting anything in return.
Be devoted to one another with mutual affection. Excel at showing respect for one another.

My Advice

Don’t withdraw your service as Jonah did. Our lives can only be lived fully – the way God intended for us to live – only when we learn to be in your best in service to Him. Let us die to our selfish human interests and give ourselves to whatever God calls us to do. He will be with us and bless us as His vessels unto honour. He will become jealous about us and will possess us to Himself.

Therefore, go out and live a life of service!