Saturday as I searched Websites looking for a Sunday School craft on the six days of creation, I became exasperated by the difficulty of the task. I would find something suitable only to discover there was a cost for a download or simply not be able to uncover the secret to accessing the craft.
However, I persevered. And during this time of searching, I began to contemplate attitudes. I was doing something good, discipling children, but I wasn’t completing the task of preparing my lesson with joy.
It occurred to me that my emotions would not swing so radically if I were always to consider that at a time no one knows (Matthew 24:36) Christ will return for His bride, the church, with a trumpet call and a shout (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Why was I searching for something that the kids would want to keep, something that would teach them about God? Because I want my kids to know the true and living God. To increase their knowledge until they begin to grasp His greatness and cling to Him realizing He is everything they need. That Sunday, I wanted them to know He existed in the beginning of the creation of the world. Also, that what He created was good.
What a pleasure it is to serve my Lord and Savior, to be His hands and feet. So why let Satan steal my joy?
Service can become drudgery or a burden if we approach it from the wrong perspective, thinking we are giving up something such as time that could be better spent. Aren’t we making an investment?
When we serve in ways that provide opportunity to explain the gospel or make disciples we are investing in the kingdom of God. We are fulfilling what is often referred to as the great commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
To make a disciple we must know what it is. In the “Compact Dictionary of Doctrinal Words” it is defined as a learner or follower of Jesus Christ. Author Terry L. Miethe writes: “In the Bible the word “disciple” implies a personal adherence, a living out of, the teachings of the Master Teacher. In the New Testament one is known as Jesus’ disciple by abiding in His Word (John 8:31; 13:35; 15:8). In Acts, those who have believed upon Him and confessed Him are called disciples (6:1-2, 7; 14:20-22, 28; 15:10, 19:1).
Also, serving gives us the opportunity to reflect our heavenly Father to a world that does not know the characteristics and attributes of the true and living God. We can reveal to the world what His agape love, grace, mercy, compassion, and sustenance look like. This reveals His glory or the beauty of God’s Spirit, the essence of who He is.1 Our good works bring God glory.
“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV
When we serve, we store up treasures in heaven. We are investing in something that lasts for eternity. Service keeps us heavenly minded. We think of God.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-20 ESV
I want to not only approach service with joy but keep it no matter the glitches. To be aware of my attitude and grab hold of joy if I feel it being tugged away by situations that exasperate.
©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved
Let’s Talk:
1-When you serve, how does Satan steal your joy?
2-How do you keep the attitude of joy in all your areas of service?
Resources: 1-Gotquestions.org. “What is the glory of God?”