Motivated to Serve

“So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 (NIV)

 Do you know that serving Jesus brings rewards both now and forever?

When you look at the life of Jesus, He values “the least of these” and meets their needs. He gives commands with respect to widows, orphans, and the poor. Clearly it is your mission, in part, to care about the needs of those around you. But at the same time, Jesus teaches that serving is a joy and not a burden. 

Today’s verse teaches that your ultimate goal is to please Him. But you don’t have to see God as a master demanding servitude, or “serve” out of guilt or obligation. Serving joyfully is your calling and the Holy Spirit helps you do it. 

The reality is that there is nothing that you can do for God that He really needs you to do. And there is nothing you have done and could ever do to earn or work our way into His favor. God’s relationship with you is an unmerited act of favor—His grace, poured out on you. His love for you does not fluctuate based on your service to Him.

When you remember how Jesus Christ served you, giving His life for your sake, you can serve with a heart of gratitude instead of guilt. The Spirit who raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives in you, and will give you the power and desire to serve wholeheartedly. You can serve joyfully because God’s very Spirit lives in you and helps you care the way God does.

But your service is to be a reflection of your faith. The Message translation paraphrases James 2:18 this way, “faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.” And the Word of God promises that you will be rewarded for your actions in the name of Jesus.

When you appear before the judgment seat of Christ, you will not hear of the final judgment of death because of your sin. You will hear of your reward in heaven as God says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

You were created to serve God with your whole being. It is not a burden but a blessing. Serve joyfully, knowing that because you are free from sin, you can serve and love God fully, freely, and eternally.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Remind me that salvation in Christ is a free gift You have given me.I don’t earn or add to Your grace in any way. Help me serve from this knowledge of Your generosity to me. Thank You for Your Spirit to guide me in loving service. May my serving be free and full, abounding in Your generosity to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.