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 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 Obedience

“The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.“
Psalm 119:110-112 (NIV)

What first comes to mind when you hear the word obey?  Have you ever been accused of doing something wrong when you were just doing what you were told to do?  How does it feel to be able to pass the accusations on to a higher authority to deal with?  In what ways can obedience protect you as you serve?  How does disobedience put you and those you serve at risk?  How does obedience to God help you serve with confidence?  How will guarding your heart with obedience help you to serve today?

One of our enemy’s primary weapons that he uses against us is accusation.  He is the great accuser but we have a greater weapon in this battle — obedience to the truth of God’s Word.  When we live a life of obedience, God’s authority can be used to refute the accusations that are hurled our way.  When our heart is protected by obedience, we are free to serve without fear.  Our obedience to God, and to those He puts in authority over us, helps us to serve Him, and others, fully.

As you pray, ask God to help you serve with the humility of obedience.  Pray that you would be able to live free from accusations that stick because of your obedience.

In prayer,

Tom