Obligation

obligation - Is it wrong to serve out of obligation?

We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments.

1 John 5:2

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

1 John 4:10-11

SERVING OTHERS can become obligatory and wearing when we take on activities and responsibilities for the wrong reasons. But when we serve with the intention to love others the way God loves us, our hearts will be in the right place. And God promises that when we serve others, we are actually serving him and will be greatly rewarded. Of course, there will always be times when we don’t feel like serving—maybe we are tired, the weather is bad, or a better opportunity has come along. However, we have to do the right thing and trust that our hearts will follow. After all, if we only served others when we felt like it, then we would probably never serve! As you consider upcoming involvements, ask God to help you do things with the right motives and to reveal any area where they are less than pure. Trust that he will help you serve from your heart as you lead with your body.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, I feel obligated to serve when . . .

Your Word encourages me to serve by reminding me that . . .