SERVE THE HOLY GOD 

The psalmist exhorted the people of God to “serve the Lord with gladness”. (Psalm 100:2)  All things that God’s people do are to be done “heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3: 23), or “to the glory of God”, (I Corinthians 10: 31), and “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3: 17) Whatever God calls upon us to do, we ought to do it heartily, to His glory, and in His name.  This is the commandment of God.  This is serving the Lord gladly. 

Jesus said, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”  (John 12: 26)  Following Jesus involves walking spiritually. “That we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”  (Romans 7: 6) To walk spiritually involves “praying without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5: 17) To follow Jesus involves thanksgiving,  “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving”, (Psalm 100: 4) Following Jesus also involves praise, “and into his courts with praise”.  (Psalm 100: 4)  This is serving the Holy God everyday in a practical Christian walk that all the elect are able to do.  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  (Philippians 4: 13)

As children of the kingdom, Paul exhorts us “let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”  (Hebrews 12: 28)  In whatever way you are called to serve the Lord, do it reverently and in Godly fear.  Perhaps, you have been called to minister to someone in need, either physically or spiritually.  Do it sincerely and unto the Lord.  This is serving Him, for Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”  (Matthew 25: 40) 

Let us serve the Lord joyfully and in sincerity of heart, “For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.”  (Romans 14:18)  The Father’s honor upon us will be when we sit before His presence in the beauty of His Holiness, “And there shall be no more curse:  but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”  Bless the Lord, O my soul!