The Reason We Serve

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17

Josh McDowell, who has spoken to millions of university students worldwide and authored scores of books, began his lifetime of service to Christ in a more humble fashion. His first assignment at the headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ was scrubbing the main entryway floor. He wasn’t meeting with the ministry’s leaders; he was scrubbing up the dirt from their shoes.

Biblically, Josh’s introduction to ministry was the equivalent of the guy in the Old Testament who carried the tent pegs when they moved the tabernacle from place to place. That is not exactly a high-profile task. Without a proper perspective on and motivation for ministry, it would be easy to get our feathers ruffled when given a lowly assignment.

So how do we stay motivated about serving God? By the promise that we will one day reap what we sow. God has promised to reward our faithful service at the judgment seat of Christ. If you are serving God, keep your heart focused on faithfulness instead of prominence.

When it comes to our rewards, motive will be determined by how much of what we did was for Jesus’ sake.