The word “serve” appears 208 times in the Bible. In the New Testament, the word means “to be a slave to, either literally or figuratively” (Strong’s). Joshua famously called upon Israel to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15). Joshua’s call still echoes loudly today. For even this day you and I must choose who and what to serve. Note some choices we need to make.
Do Not Serve Riches: Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24). The word “mammon” means riches or wealth. We do not have to look very far today to see those who serve riches. For material things they would lie and cheat. Further, to gain more material wealth others would focus so much on those things that they fail to serve God as they should. Riches can be one of the things that choke out the word of God in our life so that one does not bear fruit to perfection for the Lord (Lk. 8:14). Let us realize that those who “desire to be rich” and suffer from “the love of money” will do great spiritual harm to themselves and end up losing their soul (1 Tim. 6:9-10). Do not serve riches!
Do Not Serve Self: Paul wrote of those who “do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:18). Many are only concerned about themselves, what they want, and what they need. Serving self leads to destruction (Jude 12-13)! Thus, the Christian must be careful not to suffer from selfishness. Do not to be self-centered in this life. Instead, put God and others before yourself. Do not serve self!
Serve God: When tempted, Jesus said, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Matt. 4:10). We would do well to imitate Paul who could write, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son…” (Rom. 1:9). Even our perfect example, Jesus, was concerned about serving the Father. He said, “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (Jn. 8:29). If we serve God, it will end in great reward: “Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:24). Serve God!
Serve One Another: Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’’” (Gal. 5:13-14). Do you want to be great? Jesus taught that it is in serving one another that we find true greatness. Jesus taught, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matt. 23:11). We need to be looking for opportunities to serve our fellow man, especially members of the “household of faith.” Paul penned, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). Serve one another!
David Eldridge