It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others.  There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others.  Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season.  I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.

This is day seven in the fourth week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”.  This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others.  Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.

Serving God:
Courage To Be Faithful

“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.  Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future.  But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.“
Hebrews 3:4-6 (NIV)

What is the purpose of the place you serve at?  How well is that communicated?  How faithful do you think you are to that purpose as you serve?  Would those you serve under agree?  How often are you tempted to do things your own way and with your own benefit in mind?  Why does that seem to be so enticing to so many?  How about when you consider the bigger picture of serving God?  How are you doing at having the courage to be faithful to the things of God?

There is a series of social media memes going around that seemed designed to point out the failures of people who “had one job”.  Each one illustrates what happens when you lose sight of the purpose behind what you do.  When serving people, it is often very easy to get so caught up in the work involved that we lose sight of the bigger picture of serving for the sake of God’s kingdom.  It takes great courage to faithfully serve Christ as we serve others because it requires that we trust God to care for us.

As you pray, ask God to help you be faithful to His calling in your life.  Pray that you would have the courage to be faithful in the way you serve Him, and others.

In prayer,

Tom