You probably have memorized the 10 commandments found in Ex. 20. I was thinking that we should add an 11th commandment – ‘Thou shalt serve the Lord in your local church at least 2 hours per week.”
Can you think of a specific place where God commands us to serve Him?
I can’t. Did Jesus tell us to serve Him? We are called to be like Jesus and He took the nature of a servant. Jesus did quote Deut. 6:13 when he said “worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” However, the word “serve” is used as ‘worship’ or ‘reverence’ not in an act of service. But is this why we serve? I don’t think it should be.
We should serve out of our love for God. I love my kids. How do I show that? One way is by serving them, putting them before myself. I usually let them pick the family movie.
God doesn’t want to force us to serve Him. He wants us to serve because we love Him.
A devotional I read said it this way: “The call of God is not a call to serve Him in any particular way. My contact with the nature of God will shape my understanding of His call and will help me realize what I truly desire to do for Him. The call of God is an expression of His nature; the service which results in my life is suited to me and is an expression of my nature.” God loves us; we love Him; my service to Him is the way I show Him my love.
I think it is important to serve God in some capacity. Some are expressing their love to God in foreign countries or full-time ministry. Some are expressing their love by helping/volunteering for a Christian organization (Teens for Christ, WTGN, etc.). Others are sharing their love by serving in the church – nursery, teaching, leading, on a board, etc. If you aren’t serving outside the church, then serve inside the church. Serving inside the church is a safe place to test out your talents, interests, & passions.
