SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1050

“Grudgingly”

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

As born-again Christians our life this side of heaven is to be characterized as that of servants, followers of Jesus. We are to serve, sometimes sacrificially, our Lord, Christ.

We are to take faith in the Living Word of God and put it into daily action in every relationship context of our lives: God, Family, Work, Government, Society, Self, and Church. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (James 2:14-16)

Easier said than done, isn’t it? After a time, the joy of serving wanes. We begin to just plod along from sheer momentum, compulsion and routine. We see others living a seemingly selfish ‘blessed life’ with abundance of the things of this world and tons of free time for themselves and we begin to resent our sacrificial service. Yet we continue to serve albeit grudgingly. Such resentful service does not honor God and is detrimental to our spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) This Scripture is most often used in the context of tithes and offerings but it applies equally to the giving of self and our time in serving others.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (Acts 20:35; 1 Timothy 5:8)

If our joy in service has given way to resentment it is because we have drifted away from fellowship with Jesus and have taken our eyes off of Him and placed them on self and the things of this world. Rekindle your joy and dispel resentment by refocusing your heart on Jesus and His purpose and plan for you.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2)

May the joy of the presence of the Lord Jesus be in your heart to overflowing.

May all people you encounter in your daily life be attracted to the genuinely joyful warmth of your smile which stems from the presence of Christ and His love for them.

May your ‘everyday’ be a day holy to the Lord as you joyfully serve others in His Name.

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)