Serving

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24 NKJ)

There is something about serving that tends to rankle people "the wrong way." In July 2013 America will celebrate 237 years of independence from subservience and we pride ourselves on being no man's servants. We are by the people for the people and of the people . . . whatever that means in reality.

Yet, the Lord Jesus taught us that we will serve one of two masters, but not both at the same time. So we might carefully consider who is the focus of our lives. If this creates a dilemma for us, review the checkbook. Listen to ourselves talk and consider our goals. What is the desire that flows so easily out of the heart?

Traditionally, "mammon" is about the love of money, but in any serious study you will discover that it can represent anything that is anti-God. In other words, anything we allow to be a priority above serving God.

Serving . . . It isn't extinct in America. We simply use different terminology for it. In fact to be considered successful in America, one must "give something back." Giving back is the new "serving" term. Of course, giving back isn't all that serving entails but at least it is a great place to begin serving.

Now think about what you consider to be the greatest act of service. Donating to a charity. Speaking at a conference. Organizing a local drive for a specific community need. Visiting the widows and orphans. Leading a small group at church. And you certainly know that each of these is the greatest when the Holy Spirit prompts you to respond in that way.

Occasionally I receive a comment from one of my Courage Today readers who says, "Pastor, thank you so much for the devotion. It came at the right moment. Just when I needed that word from the Lord." Now, how do we categorize that in our list of "the greatest acts of service"? Maybe we need to have an anonymous category labeled: "how God uses our service."

Dear Father, thank you for serving us through Christ our Lord. Empower us to serve him in all he commands. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Serve the Lord today!