We are surrounded by amazing technology in our daily lives. Our phones, laptops, tablets, PCs, and TVs are all working for us every day. Do you ever wonder how it all works? Does internet content magically appear? Do glitches just fix themselves? How does your phone know that it’s Friday and remind you about your meeting at 3:00 pm?
This technology functions because there is software, apps, satellites, and technicians working in harmony. Every day. 24/7. Without this tremendous unseen work in the background, our technology would be less than amazing. Actually, it would just crash and grind to a halt.
Christ’s church works the same way. Unseen, unheralded servants work tirelessly every day, to advance the gospel message. Janitors, groundskeepers, nursery staff, decorators, and prayer warriors are always running in the background. Meanwhile, sermons are preached, meetings are held, and the body is lead in worship. These important church functions are all supported by the silent servants, humbly doing their part on a weekly routine. Just like technology, our churches and ministries would fall into dysfunction if the background service and support did not happen every day.
Every Christian is called to a life of service. Some service is high profile, and some service is behind-the-curtains. Paul writes in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Paul directs us to keep our focus on the Lord and his glory. Our Father sees our quiet service, and our heavenly reward will come from Him.
Jesus speaks directly to those who serve in obscurity in Matthew 6:3-4. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you”. Even though our giving or service may be hidden, the Lord sees our actions. He will reward us far beyond anything that men can do. In many cases, earthly rewards consist of a nice T-shirt and a Thank You. There are also times when we do not receive any thanks or recognition. This is where a humble attitude toward service must overcome a desire for self-glory, recognition, or earthly reward.
Paul writes in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Everything works better in service to God when we place his glory and the need of others above our own. This characteristic takes practice meditating on the gospel and constant dependence on the Holy Spirit’s power. John the Baptist put it this way, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). If we put God and others first then our need for earthly rewards will fade away, and we will be free to joyfully worship God with our lives. God is faithful, and he will reward us far beyond our expectations when we see him face to face.
Consider your perspective on service and worship. How are your expectations and attitude impacting your service to God and others? Is the desire for God’s glory and a love for others the motivation behind your service (Colossians 3:23-24)?