Why Are You Doing The Lord's Work?

DAILY VITAMIN
- Why Are You Doing The Lord's Work?
"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah)." (Colossians 3:23-24 AMP)
   A lot of people are quick to judge clergymen these days who seem to be more interested in the material world than they are of the spiritual; and while many of their accusations might have been right, at the end it shouldn't really concern us as much because God Himself will judge such ones as He would also judge us. And so, what should concern you should be your own intentions for serving the Lord. You may not have done in extent what these men may have done, but can you really say that all you do is for the Lord and simply not just for yourself?
   Serving God shouldn't be about what you stand to gain, but about your love for Him and desire to do His will. Some people today serve God for the profits they could get monetarily out of it; some because they truly love Him; and some because of the fear of being termed evil. Well, it says in 1 Corinthians 4:5 that we ought to "so be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether someone is a good servant or not. When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord's work. At that time, God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him" (TLB).
    Note, a man's physical appearance doesn't always give out the content of his heart. Paul said that they might all look meek, calm and collected, but some do the work of God out of contention (Phil 1:15). They do it because they want to be respected in the Christian sphere; but God’s question to you is why do you do it?
    When you engage yourself in the Lord's work, do you do it because your heart is sold out to God, or because of how good you'd look in the eyes of other Christ-loving folks? Do you do it for the position it might help you attain before men, or for the pleasure God would obtain from it? This is important because it is never the 'offering' that holds the greatest value before God, but the devotion behind the offering.
     Are you in service for God as a role-play? Christianity isn't an act, it is a life. Activities with no heart in it will get you no where in it. God said that the seekers who will find Him are the ones who do it heartily (Jeremiah 29:13). To seek here could also mean to serve. Many are called to serve, but few are chosen because of the state of their heart in service.
    So I will ask you this last time, and please be honest with yourself at least as you answer: "Why are you doing the Lord's work? For devotion, or for just recognition?" Remember, He already knows.
"But when He was in Jerusalem during the Passover Feast, many believed in His name [identified themselves with His party] after seeing His signs (wonders, miracles) which He was doing. But Jesus [for His part] did not trust Himself to them, because He knew all [men]; And He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man [needed no evidence from anyone about men], for He Himself knew what was in human nature. [He could read men's hearts.] [I Sam. 16:7.]" (John 2:23-25 AMP).

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is my desire to serve you with all my heart and might. Not for the gains I might derive from it, but for the love you've shown to me. So I ask that you renew my heart and mind so as to get my intentions right in my service to you. Help me to put you first, both now and forever. This I pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen