Serving the Lord with Gladness
Psalm 100:2, "Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
This short psalm speaks directly about our attitude and the way we conduct ourselves. Without a doubt, there should be an inherent joy and happiness that resides in the soul of everyone who is redeemed. Serving the LORD is not the same as going to work, serving the LORD is a special privilege because it is work being done in honor of the LORD.
Will Rice said concerning this verse, "Is there a difference between work and serve? Sure! They are both basically the same, but work is another word for labor. You can work for food, for friends, or for funds, but work is just...work! Serving is a specific kind of work: work that indicates a direction. You can work without regard for others, but you cannot serve that way. Serving is labor for somebody else. It will make all the difference in the world today if you are serving instead of just working!"
Are you serving the Lord? Many are serving with a misplaced purpose; they are serving a cause or a church. Serving the Lord in your church is what God desires, and is what is being spoken of in this verse. This entire psalm centers around our heart and attitude toward the Lord. Ephesians 6:6 says we are to obey our master (employer) "...not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." Serving the Lord means we are "doing the will of God from the heart."
Many people go through the motions in their service for the Lord. Take time today to determine in your heart you are going to serve the LORD with gladness! It is important to know who you are serving (the LORD), and the attitude with which you perform your service (with gladness).
Begin to make a difference today and "serve the LORD with gladness."
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. Are you connected enough in a church to have a ministry? What is it? Are you faithful?
2. Would you describe yourself as one who goes through the motions or are you thoroughly involved? Defend your answer.
3. What pleasure do you receive as a result of your service for the Lord? Is it done with gladness?