How can we serve Christ wholeheartedly, not just to please men, in Ephesians 6:6? The Core Command from Ephesians 6:6 “not only to be seen, as pleasers of men, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” Why “Men-Pleasing” Falls Short • It shifts glory from God to people (Galatians 1:10). • Approval becomes our idol, leading to hypocrisy (Matthew 6:1–2). • Human praise is temporary; Christ’s reward is eternal (John 5:44; 1 Corinthians 3:13–14). Wholehearted Service Starts Inside • “Doing the will of God from your heart” means surrendering motives, not just actions. • God looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). • The Spirit empowers sincere obedience (Ezekiel 36:26–27; Philippians 2:13). Practical Ways to Serve Christ Wholeheartedly • Begin every task—home, job, ministry—with the mindset: “I’m serving Jesus here” (Colossians 3:23). • Speak truthfully and work diligently, even when no one is watching (Proverbs 15:3). • Replace grumbling with gratitude; thank Christ for the opportunity to honor Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Seek excellence, not perfectionism; offer your best as an act of worship (Romans 12:1). • Regularly check motives: “Am I looking for applause or faithfulness?” (Psalm 139:23–24). Anchoring Motivation in Christ Himself • Remember His example: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). • Recall His ownership: we are “bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). • Anticipate His evaluation: “each will receive his praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Promises That Fuel Faithful Service • “You know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does” (Ephesians 6:8). • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart… It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23–24). • “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10). Living It Out Today • Start tasks with a quick acknowledgement: “Lord Jesus, this is for You.” • Serve unseen—clean the breakroom, encourage a coworker, pray for a supervisor—expecting only Christ’s notice. • Keep an eternal scoreboard: heavenly reward outweighs earthly recognition. • End each day reviewing with the Lord, not replaying human applause or criticism. |
    |