IT PAYS TO SERVE JESUS
There is a song we used to sing in the eighties with this headline, written by Frank C. Huston. I have come to really appreciate the truth contained in this song: "It pays to serve Jesus..."
People are always motivated by reward. People can go through any situation or circumstances once they know there's something great awaiting them at the end of the ordeal.
People that work hard are motivated by their pay. Those that distinguish themselves in service have the hope of being honoured. Scripture shows us that our service in the Lord is not in vain (Isa. 45:19; 1Cor. 15:58). God is a rewarder (Heb. 11:6). He never forgets any deed done (Heb. 6:10).
If you are a worshiper of God, service becomes natural with you (Matt. 4:10). It's impossible to really know God and not serve Him (1Chron. 28:9)
Now, our service of God is more than just showing up in church. Neither is it restricted to the activities we engage in, in the church. Don't be confused by the use of the term "Church service" in reference to our church programmes. The Bible shows us that even at work in your office or field, you're actually serving Christ, and not just your Organisation or Boss (Col. 3:24)
In Nigeria, every graduate is expected to undergo a one-year compulsory service under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. You are required to serve the nation. Yet is serving the nation, you are not expected to traverse the nation from Maiduguri to Calabar or Lagos to Kano. You are posted to one State. Within the State, you are posted to one Local Government Area, and then to an establishment as your place of primary assignment. Though you are serving the nation, your service is localised. You are working in an Organisation, yet it regarded as service to the nation. You may serve in any capacity in a local church or Ministry, yet you need to realize that you're not just serving the Church or the Pastor. You're serving the Lord of the Church - Jesus! That's why Jesus said he that receives His messengers receives Him (Matt. 10:40-42). He that gives to His teacher is sowing to the Spirit (Gal. 6:6-8). That's why when Israel murmured against Moses, he told them their murmuring was against the Lord (Exo. 16:2,7-8).
Your conduct in life reflects who you serve. Some people serve their belly (Phil. 3:19). Some serve mammon (Matt. 6:24). Some are serving diverse lusts and pleasures (Tit. 3:3).
Anna served God with prayers and fastings (Luke 2:36-37). Paul & Timothy served God in the Gospel (Rom. 1:9; Phil. 2:22). David served God by serving his generation (Acts 13:36).
ANYTHING YOU DO TO HONOUR CHRIST IS SEEN BY GOD AS AN ACT OF SERVICE TO HIM.
So, who are you serving? Remember, you cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and mammon.
In serving Jesus, there are attitudes that are acceptable with God (Heb. 13:18). These include,
1. Serving Him with reverence and fear (Psa. 2:11; Mal. 1:6)
2. Serving Him with humility (Acts 20:19)
3. Fervency of spirit (Rom. 12:11; Jer. 48:10)
4. Serving Him with gladness (Psa. 100:2)
5. Newness of spirit (Rom. 6:6)
6. Sincerity and truth (Josh. 24:14)
7. A perfect (loyal) heart and a willing mind (1Chron. 28:9)
There is nothing as rewarding as serving Christ. The blessing that accrues to you transcends your generation (Psa. 22:30). You are blessed on earth for serving Him and rewarded in heaven as well. What can beat this?
Those that serve God can never be forgotten by God (Heb. 6:10). There's a book of remembrance where every deed is recorded and rewarded (Mal. 3:14-16). When God remembers you, you will have a testimony, just like Noah (Gen. 8:1) and Rachel (Gen. 30:22) and even Israel (Exo. 2:24). You will be distinguished, as service is the pathway to distinction (Mal. 3:17,18). Service is the highway to honour (Jn. 12:26; Prov. 27:18). You will experience supernatural deliverance (Dan. 3:16,20). Because he served God, Paul,was assured of safety in the midst of the storm (Acts 27:23).
Then consider Exo. 23:25-27, which I consider as God's compact for service. By serving the Lord, He promises to bless your brand and water (so you're assured of provision). He'll take sickness from your midst (I'm a witness to this). There will be no miscarriage or barrenness. Your days will be fulfilled. You're assured of victory over your enemies. Can you get a better deal than this? THE SERVICE OF GOD IS A COVENANT TOOL FOR BLESSING. You can never find anyone who gave Himself or herself to the service of his that ever regretted it.
That's why the devil fights your service. He doesn't mind you going to church as long as you do nothing; you never get yourself involved in anything. He doesn't want you to be inconvenienced. That was what Pharaoh tried doing to Israel. He told them to go serve the Lord, but not to go far (Exo. 8:2328). Neither did he want them to serve God with their resources (Exo. 10:24-26). Satan doesn't want you to sacrifice anything to the Lord. David would not give his anything that costs him nothing (2Sam. 24:24). Our covenant with his involves sacrifice (Psa. 50:5).
Watch this: when you refuse to serve God, you are inadvertently signing in for a life of servitude to the enemy (Deut. 28:47,48; 2Chron. 12:7,8; Jer. 5:19). As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15).
Don't stand aloof. Get busy with Kingdom service. Start with anything you find to do in God's kingdom (See Eccl. 9:10).
As you make this commitment to serve the Lord with your whole heart, you will enter into a new dimension of uncommon blessings.
As you remain faithful and dedicated to the service of God, your life is bound to abound with blessings (Prov. 28:20)
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