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 eighth 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:
Guard Your Heart With Understanding

“Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.“
Psalm 119:34 (NIV)

How well do you understand the purposes behind the rules and policies where you serve?  How well do you understand God’s purpose for giving us His instructions for living?  Do you find it easier to do something when you understand the reason behind doing so?  Have you ever said, or done, something in response to a person that you later regretted when you more fully understood what they were going through?  How will guarding your heart with an understanding of God’s Word help you serve more effectively today?

Years ago I served as a cabin dad and team leader at MCSC for the very first time and had a group of boys that were, well, less than cooperative.  Before the very first night was over, my heart had become angry with one boy in particular and I was ready to call it quits and go home.  The leader of the camp week could see that I was frustrated with the boy, and with him, so he pulled me aside and provided information that increased my understanding about what was going on.  That bit of understanding guarded my heart throughout the week and helped me to serve this boy, and the entire team, well. 

Pray that God would guard your heart with understanding.

In prayer,

Tom