DO YOU LOVE TO SERVE?

God's kingdom is so different and at the opposite end of this world's kingdom.

For instance, to be a servant of someone here in this world is to be of lesser value and position many times. Everyone here would rather be waited on instead of wait on someone else. Think about it. Would you rather cook a big dinner and serve people, buy the meal, wash dishes, etc? Or would you rather go to your favorite restaurant and just order your favorite meal and relax? To me, a waiter or waitress serving me dinner is much more fun than cooking my own has been meal!

In God's kingdom, serving is greater than being served. Interestingly enough, Jesus actually says that the greatest in God's kingdom is the one who serves! Jesus as our example says that He didn't come to be served, but to serve! Incredible! The King of the universe, the One who is all-powerful and alone worthy of worship and the one who deserves to be served, actually served even the dirtiest of sinners. He served His disciples, the unlovely, the hurting, the unpopular, the sinner, the sick.

What about you? Do you find yourself complaining about serving people? Do you find that doing something for God is a burden rather than a joy? Are you hungry to serve in the church where there is need and where you are gifted?

When you know where you've come from and appreciate God's grace for your salvation, serving will come naturally. When you realize that all who you are and all that you have comes only from the God who created you, you will have humility to serve. When you love people and want the best for their lives, you will serve. When you hunger to be Jesus to people to give hope and encouragement, you will serve. When you realize that nothing can be added to your salvation or God's love, you will serve with joy and freedom! When you focus on the Savior who served to the point of a brutal death, you will serve with no complaining or serve because of guilt.

"And whatever you do, do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23)