What practical steps can we take to ensure we are "serving God"? Text to Study “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as for the Lord and not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24 Why This Matters Christ’s lordship touches every corner of life. Serving Him is not limited to Sunday or overtly “religious” tasks; it permeates our attitudes, motivations, and daily routines. Practical Steps for Serving God • Cultivate single-minded motives – Begin each task by remembering, “This is for You, Lord” (1 Corinthians 10:31). – Check your heart when recognition or applause feels more important than faithfulness (Matthew 6:1). • Pursue wholehearted excellence – Offer your best, whether at work, home, or church (Proverbs 22:29). – Eliminate sloppy shortcut habits; diligence honors God (Romans 12:11). • Recognize Christ as your true supervisor – When earthly bosses are harsh or indifferent, keep your focus on pleasing Christ (Ephesians 6:7-8). – Let His approval quiet any need for constant human validation (Galatians 1:10). • Anchor service in gratitude, not guilt – Remember the “inheritance from the Lord” promised to His children; serve out of thankfulness, not to earn favor (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Integrate Scripture into routine decisions – Read, memorize, and rehearse verses that guide priorities (Psalm 119:11). – Ask, “Does this align with God’s revealed will?” before committing time or resources. • Steward relationships as kingdom opportunities – Speak kindly, forgive quickly, and encourage consistently (Ephesians 4:29-32). – View family duties and friendships as sacred trusts, not interruptions. Guardrails to Keep Us on Course • Regular self-examination: invite the Spirit to expose mixed motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Sabbath rhythms: schedule intentional worship and rest to recalibrate focus (Mark 2:27). • Accountability: welcome trusted believers who lovingly confront drift (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouragement from the Word • “Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.” – Psalm 100:2 • “If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” – John 12:26 • “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 Takeaway Serving God is a 24-hour calling empowered by His grace. By reorienting motives, pursuing excellence, and leaning on Scripture, we transform ordinary moments into acts of worship, confident that “It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” |
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