This is the overarching principle that should govern the life of the believer. Paul writes that we whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17). But that is not the way to hearing Him say, “Well done.” Or, we can give it our all, depend on Him and watch what God will do with our efforts. Whatever the task, we can try to take the easy way or just half do whatever God has called us to do. It’s only reasonable that we would serve the God who has provided the greatest service of all: salvation from sin and self and eternal life with Him in heaven. Giving ourselves to God is our spiritual act of worship (the Greek word for “spiritual” can also be translated “reasonable”). ![]() It validates our faith in front of others. And that difference in our lives causes people to examine the life-changing nature of a relationship with Jesus Christ. And when we direct glory towards Him instead of accepting it for ourselves, we stand out from the crowd of those who glorify only themselves. He says believers should recognize that we are speaking and serving directly on behalf of God to others, while He gives the ability and strength for us to do so. Serving isn’t about us receiving attention or glory it is for Him to receive glory. Peter makes it clear that we have received our gifts from God for two purposes- to serve others and to bring praise to God. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. Is it really necessary to serve God? What is the purpose of changing our priorities to accomplish tasks that God could honestly do better and more quickly without us? Peter addresses the importance of serving God in 1 Peter 4:10-11: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. Whoever you are, if you are a child of God, you have an assignment…and it’s more than just warming your favorite seat at church on Sunday. It’s also children, senior adults, those with health issues, the blind, the deaf. It isn’t just pastors or worship leaders or missionaries. He also gives us gifts and skills that enable us to carry out His plan for us. In other words, God gives us – His children – tasks to do for Him. But as a child of God, we are saved “to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Doing good works does not cancel out our sin debt and get us a ticket into heaven. However, I must point out that Christian are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). When we understand exactly what Jesus went through for him to be our Redeemer, there should be nothing but joy as we serve Him. As you recognize that Jesus is not only your Savior, but your Lord (see Luke 6:46), we are to “Serve the LORD with gladness!” (Psalm 100:2, ESV). The unbelieving will never hear those words, for “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). To hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from Jesus, first make sure you are saved. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Saved by grace through faith…not by works But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. The master’s response was, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. However, a third servant was given one talent but rather than increasing his master’s wealth, he hid the talent until the master returned and then returned the talent to the master. When the master returned from a long absence, he rewarded his two faithful servants and said to each of them, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little I will set you over much. ![]() We bask in the words, “Well done!” In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the Lord tells of two faithful servants who used what they had been given to increase the master’s wealth. ![]() ![]() Whenever we have worked hard and done our best, we like for others to take notice of our efforts. Hearing, “Well done!” or “Cast him into outer darkness!” Mission, Core Values, & Statement of Faith.What can we learn from Israel and Judah?.Renewing Church Leaders to Bring Revival to America.Redeeming Christian Marriage to bring Revival to America.Donations to Wellspring Christian Ministries.Contemporary Christian Music to get you through COVID-19.Bible Studies, Books & Gifts from Christianbook Distributors.
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