Why Do We Serve?

So, here's a curveball for you. Why do you serve? Seriously, ask yourself this honest question and be ready to answer it honestly. I ask because I'm seeing "serving a cause" become pop culture. It's stylish to be part of something. Doing good is pretty cool. It's actually kind of inspiring, seeing people respond to current needs. But doing good can have a dark side.

I have seen friends and mentors serving sacrificially, doing extraordinary work for Jesus. But despite their dedication, things went wrong. Burnout. Infidelity. Loss of faith. Financial compromise. Breakdowns. You get the idea. Probably seen it too.

The Church today is zealous, and we're doing great things. But my concern is that in doing great things for God, we'll forget who we are in Him.

I see it all over social media. We do good for someone and we share it with the world to let everyone know how good we are. I know you see it. How can you miss it?

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"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Matthew 6:1-4

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"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Proverbs 4:23

Everything flows from the heart, our motivations, our desires, our good deeds. Without evaluating our motives, it's possible to love our service more than we love our Savior. It's possible to love working to see "thy kingdom come" without being in love with the King. It's possible to be so proud of all we're doing for God that pride chokes our faith.

So let me ask again. Why do we serve? I think the answer to this might help us find the true heart of service.

Be Nice. Grace Wins.

FMJ