Do it for Me?
Posted on June 9, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But to Your name give glory.” – Psalm 115a
There were many times after an ultimatum was given that I either obeyed or I was sent to my room. I, being as stubborn as I am, would often take the latter and spend some time in solitaire. Shortly after the decree was given, I would get a visit from my Grandmother. This would begin with the question “I wish you would listen.” Then she would pull the always dependable request, “Do it for me?” How could I tell Grandma no?
I think sometimes when I look at things from a horizontal scale it’s easy to get caught up in the “why should I” mentality when it comes to acts of service or even just doing the right thing. In a world that rewards us for doing our job with a pay check and benefits that support our lifestyle, why should I do anything for free or for the salary I get? I should at least get the praise I deserve.
I am a believer in the saying “If you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.” The attitude of our service is what makes what we do profitable towards the kingdom of God. When I’m not feeling like doing a good work or fulfilling an obligation, I can usually find a reason why I’m not going to give it my best, after all, they don’t pay me enough or I see other people slacking all the time.
It’s not until I begin to think vertically and realize that since I’ve professed to be a follower of Jesus and will be judged as a Christian that I can say “Not unto them, but unto the Lord.” I would often give in to my Grandmothers request because of the kindness and love she has shown me, but my analogy falls apart when I consider the Lord and to look upon Jesus with His nail pierced hands and feet, how can I tell Him no? In a world that is so divided, the one place a person should be able to look and see unselfishness is in the church of Jesus Christ.
My guess is if you are struggling to serve others and to put forth your best efforts at work you probably have horizontal vision. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth”, this verse in Colossians 3 relates to a lot more than our acts of service. It’s a good reminder that we serve a God who made a way for us to be with Him for eternity and provides us with His presence here on earth.
When I live my life with an “Unto the Lord” mentality, I find joy in serving a God who loves me and is calling me to live my life to a higher standard to bring glory to His name. It’s a very good testimony if someone should ask, “Why do you do what you do?” Simply say, “I do everything as unto the Lord”.
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20,21
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 47-52| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “If we give God service it must be because He gives us grace. We work for Him because He works in us.” – Charles Spurgeon
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
“whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:8
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
