The concept of natural life being dedicated to the service of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the purpose and calling of human existence. From the creation narrative to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Scripture consistently underscores the importance of living a life that honors and serves the Creator.

Creation and Purpose

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where humanity is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This divine image-bearing comes with the responsibility to steward creation and live in a manner that reflects God's character. Genesis 2:15 states, "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it." This initial charge to Adam illustrates the principle that human life is intended for purposeful work in service to God.

The Call to Serve

Throughout the Old Testament, the call to serve God is evident in the lives of the patriarchs, prophets, and kings. Joshua's exhortation to the Israelites encapsulates this call: "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). This declaration highlights the voluntary and deliberate choice to dedicate one's life to God's service.

The Example of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies a life wholly devoted to the service of God. His earthly ministry was marked by obedience to the Father's will, as seen in John 6:38: "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me." Jesus' life and teachings consistently pointed to the importance of serving God and others, encapsulated in His commandment to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).

Apostolic Teachings

The apostles further expound on the theme of living a life in service to God. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Romans 12:1). This call to sacrificial living underscores the notion that every aspect of life should be an act of worship and service to God.

Practical Outworking

The practical outworking of a life spent in service to God is seen in the exercise of spiritual gifts, acts of charity, and the pursuit of holiness. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, believers are encouraged to use their gifts to serve one another, "so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." This service is not limited to formal ministry roles but extends to everyday actions and interactions, reflecting God's love and truth in the world.

Eternal Perspective

Finally, the Bible presents an eternal perspective on the service of God, promising rewards for faithful service. In Matthew 25:21, the parable of the talents illustrates the commendation of the faithful servant: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master." This assurance of eternal reward motivates believers to dedicate their natural lives to God's service, knowing that their labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

In summary, the Bible presents natural life as a gift from God, intended to be spent in His service. Through creation, the example of Jesus, apostolic teachings, and the promise of eternal reward, Scripture calls believers to a life of devotion, stewardship, and active service to the Lord.Luke 1:75
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Spiritual Declension.
... spiritual life, not less than the natural life, requires appropriate ... of declension
in the Christian life is a ... to encroach upon the time which should be spent ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/spiritual declension.htm

On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ...
... and worship, it would follow that we should now treat ... persons called out from a state
of natural life and of ... the Spirit of both, to a supernatural life to be ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation l on the church.htm

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
... of God and learn what his life's work should be, but ... him far beyond those who give
the greatest natural promise. Christian life is not to be lived in the realm ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xviii the holy spirit.htm

The Preacher as a Man of God.
... But this is the most natural meaning of the words ... is not surprising that this
new-born life should feel itself ... act, but to every subsequent detail of our life. ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture ii the preacher as.htm

Internal Exercises Weaken the Body, yet Oft Prolong Life. ...
... of those mortifications attending her state of life, or sent ... to raise the soul out
of her natural state. ... consume corporal nature, that if souls should give way ...
/.../chapter vi internal exercises weaken.htm

Whether Religious Perfection is Diminished by Possessing Something ...
... that bread, wine, and the like are natural riches, while ... money and to possess other
things necessary for life. ... How these words of our Lord should be understood ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether religious perfection is diminished.htm

The Work and the Life
... And in the spiritual as in the natural world, this always ... who toiled in the lowly
walks of life among the ... Everyone who names the name of Christ should so work ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 9 the work and.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... sometimes to our heavenly Father, in the natural expressions of ... The sentiments with
which we should lie down and ... former days and mercies of our life; to take ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

Death to Self is the Way Out into a Life of Sacrifice.
... every seed will spring up: it is not so in the natural world ... all the budding and
blossoming and ripening"is that every seed should carry potential life. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the cross/death to self is the.htm

Jesus the Bread of Life.
... the Church is the world supplied with the life He furnishes ... and fit order then, as
it is the natural and fit ... power of the Lord to feed the world should be the ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xiv jesus the bread of.htm

What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the Christian Life (All) | GotQuestions.org

Is there life after death? | GotQuestions.org

Life: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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