No.245 - Service with a Willing Heart

The Service of God’s Servants

Service with a Willing Heart

Ephesians 6:7-8
"Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free."

Starting Prayer
Dear Lord, grant me the wisdom to understand the importance of serving with a willing heart. Help me to serve others as if I am serving You, with sincerity and joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background
In Ephesians 6, Paul instructs believers on the importance of spiritual warfare and living as servants of Christ in various aspects of life. The selected verses emphasize the attitude with which believers should serve—wholeheartedly and with sincerity. Paul encourages Christians to serve not merely to please men but with a genuine desire to honor the Lord. By doing so, they can be assured of God's reward for their faithful service, whether they are in positions of authority or serving in humble circumstances.

Be Encouraged
When we serve others with a willing heart, we reflect the love of Christ and fulfill our calling as His disciples. Imagine a teacher who approaches each day with enthusiasm and dedication, seeing each student as an opportunity to make a positive impact. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to approach every task and interaction with the same spirit of service, recognizing that our ultimate reward comes from the Lord.

Our willingness to serve should not be contingent on our circumstances or the recognition we receive from others. Instead, we should serve with joy and sincerity, knowing that God sees and rewards every act of kindness and service done in His name. Whether we serve in our workplaces, communities, or families, let us do so with the mindset of serving the Lord, knowing that He will bless our efforts and use them for His glory.

Additional Verses
- Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

- Romans 12:11: "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."

Invitation
I invite you to accept the call to serve with a willing heart. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, what are you waiting for? You can obey the gospel of Christ through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Let us serve others with sincerity and joy, knowing that our service is ultimately unto the Lord. Join us in worship and service at a local church of Christ, where you can grow in your understanding of God's will and serve alongside fellow believers.

Concluding Prayer
Lord, thank you for the privilege of serving You and others. Help me to approach each opportunity to serve with a willing heart, seeking to honor You above all else. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

Theodore J. Quist
Evangelist
Church of Christ
Abokobi - Accra
Ghana

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