Even though God wants His people to serve Him (Exodus 9:1, Isaiah 43:21), He still leaves the decision solely to them to make (Joshua 24:15). God wants us to serve Him with gladness (Psalm 100:2) and not with bitterness, hence He does not force us against our will.
However, serving the Lord is a wise and great decision that is expected of every child of God. Joshua in Joshua 24:15 declared that he and his household will serve the Lord.
Serving the Lord must be done in God’s way and not in our way. Having decided to serve the Lord, we must also make up our mind to serve Him in His own way. This is very important if our service is to be accepted by Him.
Whoever serves the Lord must follow Him (John 12:26 NIV), serve Him with absolute single-heartedness (Matthew 6:24, 4:10, Deuteronomy 6:13 NIV), serve Him with all his heart and all his soul (Deuteronomy 11:13), serve Him with fervency in the spirit (Romans 12:11) … and with a reverential fear (Psalm 2:11).
The month of August is declared as “OUR MONTH OF SERVICE”. Glory be to God in the highest!
Let’s put on the spirit of service throughout this month and beyond as we pursue the service of the Lord.
Bible passages: Joshua 24:15, Exodus 9:1, Isaiah 43:21, John 12:26, Matthew 6:24, 4:19, Deuteronomy 6:13, 11:13, Romans 12:11, Psalm 2:11.
