Text: Matthew 25:20-30
Memory Verse: “His Lord said unto him, well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21 MEV).
The chorus of the hymn, “It Pays to Serve Jesus” says: I love Him far better than in days of yore I’ll serve Him more truly than ever before I’ll do as He bids me whatsoever the cost, I’ll be a true soldier, I’ll die at my post.
This is the heart cry of one who is saved, and sanctified. Full sanctification enables one to serve God meaningfully and joyfully. Some serve God grudgingly; always complaining and murmuring. They are hard to satisfy, like the servant with one talent who was described as slothful, wicked and unprofitable. Their lot is outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Paul’s lifestyle of service is worthy of emulation. He served from house to house, day and night, tearfully and humbly, free of any man’s blood (1 Corinthians 9:16). He worked closely with Aquila and Priscilla as tent makers so that he would not burden others. He was an example to Timothy who he appointed as Overseer of the church at Crete. He became all things to all men so as to win them to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Make sure your service is acceptable to God—a living sacrifice. There is danger in serving grudgingly, with no fruit to show for your service. Never serve as men pleasers. Serve as one who knows that his life, salvation, time, skill, beauty, money, intellect, energy, and all that he has belongs to God, the Giver of all things.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, help me to render service that is acceptable to You.
2. Lord, grant me the grace to work for You with a pure motive.
