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 two in the twelfth 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:
Purity In a Fear of the Lord

“The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.“
Psalm 19:9 (NIV)

Is there someone in your life that you respect and love so much that you would do everything in your power to avoid hurting them with your words and actions?  Who?  When are some times that a knowledge of consequences keep you determined to do what is right?  How does the purity of an authority influence your willingness to obey them?  Do you view the phrase, “Fear of the Lord”, in a positive or negative way?  Why?  How would having a pure fear of the Lord help you as you serve others?

Very few of us, if any, like to be manipulated or feel that we are being manipulated.  When we have a fear of the Lord that is pure, we understand that His actions are always looking out for our best.  Yes, the fear of the Lord contains an awareness of consequences if we disobey Him, but the element of purity helps us to realize even the consequences are designed not to harm us but to draw us back to Him.  As you pray, ask God to put within you a fear of the Lord which is pure.  Pray that you would desire to do right because of God’s love for you.  Pray that you would serve with a purity that comes from a fear of the Lord.

In prayer,

Tom