Written By Eng Kim Leng
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: … A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
Life has its moments. There will be moments in our lives when we weep and mourn, suffer and lose, but through them all, we can ‘rejoice and do good. … every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God’ (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13). Joy is the second characteristic of the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ (Galatians 5:22-23) and is the result of maturity in faith. Our joy should be full, knowing that we have a faith that is victorious over death and ultimately receiving the greatest reward of heaven for eternity.
In Hebrews 12:2, the Hebrew writer expresses Jesus’ joy, who, “… for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” As followers of Christ, we are to be joyful like Him, a joy that will help us endure the trials of life. Paul exhorted the church in Philippi as they were undergoing persecution, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1), and“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). How could they rejoice while suffering? In the same way Jesus rejoiced, by pressing “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). The anticipated joy of being with God for eternity will similarly help us to overcome the sorrows inflicted.
Serving with All our Heart
The Bible is filled with exhortations for us to serve with all our hearts. Deuteronomy 11:13 declares, “… hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.” In Joshua 24:15, we read of Joshua telling his people, “… as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Our dedication to the Lord should manifest itself in service. Jesus declares in Matthew 9:37, that the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. There is much to be done, and it is incumbent upon us to fulfil that work. Serving should never feel like a chore for Christians. And as we serve, we need to be like the faithful men of old, to do so with all our hearts, minds, and souls.
Emulate Christ in Serving
Jesus’ life was filled with accounts of Him serving, being selfless and always putting the interests of others ahead of Himself. He showed by example, even washing the feet of His disciples. His ministry is a model for all Christians. Jesus found joy in His ministry despite conflict, disappointment, and suffering. We must appreciate that His suffering and service was for us. 1 Peter 2:21: “For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps.” What an example of service, one that puts the interest of others before Himself, suffering in the process, but instead of being miserable, He was joyful.
Not Expecting a Reward
In serving, joy is seeing our works bear fruit. This could take the form of the recipients having their pain relieved, when seekers obey the gospel, when members grow in faith and our service is appreciated in a non-monetary sense. In serving, Jesus warned His disciples not to blow their trumpets when they do good works. “When you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6:2). The scripture continues in verse 6, “And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” When we have done our duty, let us consider ourselves as unprofitable servants (Luke 17:10), not expecting a reward.
Empathise with Those in Need
The idea of Christian service stemmed from the compassion and love that Jesus showed to all those around him. Jesus went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness (Matthew 9:35-36). When Jesus looked out at the crowds of people plagued by disease and affliction, harassed and helpless, His compassion moved Him to reach out and to heal. In Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus speaks of six categories of the needy and what Christians must do in service: hungry: to be given food, thirsty: to be given drink, stranger: to be welcomed, naked: to be clothed, sick: to be visited, in prison: to be visited. Our empathy must move us to do the same, serving the needy, doing our part to alleviate the hardship of our brethren, our neighbours and sharing the load in the church.
Vessels of Good Work
Good works should follow every joyful child of God. Few things bring as much joy as seeing the impact of our service on the lives of other people. The Bible offers several motivations for our service. We serve because our service supplies the needs of the Lord’s people (2 Corinthians 9:12), because our service proves our faith and causes others to praise God (2 Corinthians 9:13), because we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28), and because God sees and rewards our labour of love (Hebrews 6:10). The Bible also outlines that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
In Closing
In serving, we are not alone; God is working with us and is using us to accomplish His eternal purpose. Service is good for the mind and body. Our service in various manner builds self-confidence, energy, strength and joy. We can increase that joy in our hearts when we participate actively in the work of the church, serving, fellowshipping and sharing, using the talents and resources we have been blessed, to ultimately give glory to God.