“Our gladness in service is an outflow of abiding in the joy of the Lord.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 29, 2024
Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100:2
My energy level to serve ebbs and flows, but one thing is for sure: my motivation to help others comes alive when my service is focused on the Lord with a glad and grateful heart. Glad and grateful to be alive. Glad and grateful to be a beloved child of God. Glad and grateful for family, friends and a faith community. Like a daily spiritual vitamin, gratitude and gladness fill a soul’s deficiencies. Our gladness in service is an outflow of abiding in the joy of the Lord. Not merely a duty but a divine calling that permeates every facet of our lives. The Scriptures underscore the significance of serving with joy, reminding us of the immeasurable blessings that flow from a heart devoted to service. It encompasses serving in the church, in the community, and within the family—a threefold tapestry that weaves together the essence of our devotion to God.
Within the fellowship of the church, our service becomes an expression of reverence and gratitude to the Lord. Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us that God has equipped each of us uniquely for service within His body, the church. Whether through teaching, music, administration, or acts of kindness, every contribution is an opportunity to extend God’s love and grace to those within the congregation. The joy of serving in the church emanates from the unity of purpose, the fellowship, and the shared commitment to glorify God through our collective efforts.
Beyond the church walls, our service extends to the broader community. Jesus Himself exemplified this when He washed His disciples’ feet, teaching us that true greatness lies in humble service (John 13:1-17). Engaging in outreach programs, volunteering in shelters, or simply extending a helping hand to those in need mirrors Christ’s compassionate heart. Serving our community reflects the love of Christ, revealing His presence through our actions and bringing hope to a world longing for compassion and care.
Within the confines of our homes, serving our families becomes a sacred duty. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers to nurture and guide their children in the Lord’s ways, emphasizing the family’s pivotal role in spiritual upbringing. Serving our families entails sacrificial love, selflessness, and a commitment to fostering an environment of love, respect, and encouragement. Through acts of service within our households, we mirror God’s unconditional love and model the character of Christ, cultivating an atmosphere where each member feels cherished and valued.
Serving with gladness is not a burdensome obligation but a privilege bestowed upon us by the Lord. It is a response to God’s immeasurable grace poured out on us. The joy we find in serving is not contingent on circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with Christ. Scripture reminds us that whatever we do, whether in the church, the community, or within our families, should be done wholeheartedly as unto the Lord, for it is from Him that we ultimately receive our reward.
“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, ESV).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, with a glad and grateful heart, I praise and adore you through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name.
Application
Identify your passion and pray about how to align your passion around serving the Lord with gladness.
Related Reading
Matthew 25:35-40; Mark 10:45; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 4:10-11
Worship Resource
Kenedi Anderson: Serve the Lord
Donate
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