Freedom Through Service

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

As we serve the Lord, we must do it with joy, not out of pressure but willingly. If your service to God is out of pressure or duty or from a place of compulsion, it will eventually cause you to be frustrated or bitter. So decide in your heart how you will serve God. It is up to you to determine in your heart what you desire to do for God.

John says, “For God so loved the word that He gave…” Our giving must come from a heart of love. Never allow someone, a leader or pastor to control your love or demonstration of love.

When Jesus was being tempted by Satan He said, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him ONLY shalt thou serve.” – Matthew 4:10

We can give Satan an opportunity to attack us if we serve men.

When we serve men we will look to men for rewards. You can either be rewarded by men or God; however if men lift you up, they can surely put you down. Many people have been hurt and disappointed by men, pastors, parents, bosses and other leaders through their sincere expectations.

This is common in a Church where people really love a charismatic leader but he does not live up to their expectations. Maybe this leader was caught in adultery or some other sin – the question here is not if this leader was wrong (he or she may indeed be wrong) but rather do you want to be in a position where you can be left bitter and hurt.

When we look to Jesus we take the power out of men’s hands to disappoint and hurt us.

I want to encourage you to only serve God as you have determined in your heart. There is such a freedom when we live before God and look to God to reward us. We are called to only serve God and in serving Him we serve others.

Image Credit: shutterstock/R.Gino Santa Maria