Why do you serve God? Is it to go to Heaven or to avoid Hell? Do you serve God because you expect something in return?
I ask these questions because of a devotional I read today which basically talked about this very thing. So many people serve because they want something from God no matter what it is and they get upset when they do not get what they want. I cannot say that I am any different and I was not really aware of my actions until today.
1 Samuel 12:24 English Standard Version (ESV)
24 Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
Romans 12:11 English Standard Version (ESV)
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
There are a many other verses that talk about serving the Lord and no where does it talk about getting something from the Lord. When you do things for other people, do you always expect something in return? If so, who are you really doing it for, you or them?
When you serve with your heart, you do so because you want nothing in return. If they so, fine, but it is not something you expect. Why should this be any different when serving God?
Do I serve the Lord with my heart and expect nothing in return, I am going to say no. It is not that I do not want too, but it the fact that I do not think about. Then when I have problems, I take them to the Lord expecting something , but He has already given the greatest gift and that is Jesus Christ.
Does God demand us to serve Him? No! I am not sure He even expects us to serve Him. He does want us to serve Him because that is what our hearts want. So what will you do going forward?