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 six in the fifth 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:
Excellence In Love

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.“
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (NIV)

Why do you serve?  Do you love what you do?  Do you love who you serve?  Would the people around you say you excel in love for them?  For one another?  Does your love for Christ motivate you to serve Him willingly?  Would the level of love you express to those you serve be different if you were to consciously recognize you are serving Christ as you serve them?  What specific things can you do today that would help you excel in love?  Will you do them?

There are few things, if any, that people excel at with little or no effort.  Often times we want a short-cut.  We want to be the best without putting forth best quality effort.  When it comes to excelling in love, we have the best possible example when we look to Jesus.  He said, “greater love has no one than to give his life for his friend.”  The example of Jesus was to literally give His life but He also left the example of the “full extent of His love” in teaching us to serve.

As you pray, ask God to give you a desire to excel in love.  Pray that you would serve well because of the love you have for God and the love He gives you for others.  Pray that you would see love as the motivation behind your service.

In prayer,

Tom