Self-serving or God Honoring

1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

For those of us who are using our gifts, talents, and abilities to serve, why are we serving? What is our purpose? What is our aim? As I ask this question, I think of John the Baptist who was persecuted for preaching a message of truth that was contrary to that of the religious leaders of his day. However, even in the midst of the persecution he continued to faithfully proclaim God's message. Today, proclaiming the Gospel and truths found in God's Word will bring persecution, because God's truth flies in the face of what the world says is right and acceptable. Sadly, many have taken God's truth and twisted it in order to avoid offending the world, and are using it for their own self-serving purposes. Many speak the Word of God for their own popularity and personal gain. They claim to have a heart for people and claim that what they do is ministry for the sake of others, but in actuality they are wolves in sheep's clothing. There are some of us who may not be as blatant as some of those who claim to be ministers of God, but we are using the gifts that God has given us, not for God's glory, but for our own glory. Peter made it clear that when we speak we are to speak God's truth; not man's words or our opinions that are based on our wisdom. When we serve, we ought to serve with a heart to glorify Jesus so that when people look at us they see more of Jesus and less of us. John the Baptist's attitude remained the same, no matter what the occasion. When Jesus came on the scene, John directed the disciple that followed him to follow Jesus instead. Even when he faced persecution, John held on to the attitude that Jesus must increase and he (John) must decrease. Jesus warned that if we seek a pat on the back from men, then that will be the extent of our reward. The bottom line is that we will either be self-serving, or we will choose to do what is right and be servants who are God honoring. Which one are we?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).