SELFLESS SERVICE

MEMORISE: ‘”So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)
READ: Luke 17:7-10

Serving God must be done selflessly. When you render service to the Lord, do not expect him to thank you for it. Irrespective of what you do for him, you cannot ever repay what he has done for you. Can you pay for the salvation of your soul? Why do you then expect any thanks? “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10)

Several men of Gods have backslidden just because God did not commend them at the time they expected him to. Has your heart grown lean towards God and his work because the promotion you expected in the ministry did not come the way you expected it and at your time? You feel like leaving the work, because your pastor has failed to recognize or reward you. Are you working for your leader or for God?

In Colossians 3:1-4, we are told to focus our attention on heaven. A time of rewards will come. Rather than expect your praise from men or here on earth, why not seek for it in heaven? You cannot receive your reward twice. Either you have it here on earth or in heaven. Which do you prefer? 1 John 2:15-17 says we should not love the world because what the world approves, most of the time contradicts what our Father wants and one day the world with all its fashions and lusts will pass away. Demas was a mighty man of God who operated on the same level as the Apostle Paul. But when the commendation he expected did not come form God, he stopped serving (2 Tim 4:10).

Whatever you do for the Lord, do not see yourself as having done anything special. Have you healed the sick or raised the dead? Have men come to you to say you are a mighty man of God? Give the glory to God, wear the cloak of a servant and say, ‘I have only done what my Master Jesus Christ commanded me to do. Nothing more. ‘Let your service to Christ be based on your love for him. If he could die for you, what can’t you do for him? The reward will follow in his time.

ACTION POINT
Examine your service for the Lord since the year began.
Determine how you measure up to God’s standards.