Ephesians 6:7-8, New International Version

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”

The idea of serving has been so heavy on my heart recently and has been the focus of so many conversations I’ve been having. Honestly, I have been discouraged by the lack of serving I see in the American church as a whole. I don’t want to just focus on the negative- there are so many people serving faithfully in meaningful and unique ways. But I just felt like I needed a reminder of the purpose for why we serve.

As I was wrestling with this in prayer and scripture, I was reminded that we need to focus our hearts on the Lord and let that be our reason for serving. We always need to start there and see if we are truly connected to the Father. It is not a check off box, but truly a part of our Christian walk. 

It is so clear throughout scripture that Jesus’ heart and purpose was to serve others. To me it makes sense that if that was what Jesus was all about- and we say we are followers of him- it should be what our lives are about. 

I don’t know about you, but serving puts a fire in me for the Lord and His people that I don’t think would be there if I was not serving. There are times when I do not feel like showing up, sacrificing my time and energy. But those are usually the most beautiful times when the Lord shows up and I am humbled before Him and the way He works. He doesn’t need us to serve, but out of His love, grace and goodness, He lets us be a part of His work. Not because it’s something we “have to do” but because in His providence, He knows that it will truly bring life and joy to us. Serving Christ and His people is our ultimate purpose that we were created for. Sin and flesh will distract us from our original design and will rob us of a lot of what God has for us- in His perfect goodness and His perfect gifts. 

Serving both unbelievers and the body of Christ are important. It should be a way of life, not just a section of our life. We don’t serve in addition to our faith, we serve as a part of our faith. It’s not “I believe in Jesus, and I will serve.” It’s “I believe in Jesus, so I will serve.”

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:7-8, NIV)

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45, NIV)

There are so many areas and ways you can serve the kingdom and you will benefit from your service - it is mutual transformation.