A Happy Servant

(Attitude Is Everything)

By A. Lin. Thomas

Along your journey of fulfilling your calling as a servant of God, there will be many obstacles and setbacks. This is a part of life and a definite part of your growth. I have decided that when my plans don't go as planned to look at what appears to be defeat, as just a learning curve.

 

We are on a journey that we have never been on before, and the stumbles along the way are opportunities to grow in wisdom and understanding. They are not reasons to give up or give in to defeat. They are not reasons to murmur and complain.

 

Philippians 1:6 (NLT) reminds us, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Since it is God's responsibility for your success, you can keep a positive attitude toward your assignment. Continue to press in when it seems the hardest, knowing that you have Heaven's help, and because you realize that failure is not an option, finishing is.

 

Enjoying what you are doing is the key to keeping your focus and your attitude in check. Sometimes, changes and adjustments will have to be made, but the work should not stop. Also, it would be helpful to understand that your calling is your place of service to the Kingdom of God. (See Nehemiah)

 

The best way to serve is with a happy heart. We have all encountered grumpy people who have taken out their discontent on us while they served us. And because of that they did not receive a tip, but a complaint. We don't want anyone to complain to God about our service, and we don't want the stigma of being thought of as a grumpy Christian. Colossians 3:23 (NLT) encourages, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

 

We should be mindful to let everything we do be done as if we were serving Jesus personally, because in actuality, we are. “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”  Second Corinthians 5:20 (NLT). We are "ambassadors for Christ," and we have personally been hand-picked to represent God's goodness through our assignment to bring the world back to God through repentance.

 

The way we serve and the attitude we serve with will make a difference to those we serve. When they experience us, they should praise the Lord, because they have experienced His presence through our service. Serving in happiness, will bring joy to the recipients of our service. It will also bring honor to our Lord, and in return, it will bring blessings to us and those we serve.

 

Prayer:

Father, I am having trouble keeping my joy in serving. I want to do it well, but I feel so overwhelmed with all the responsibilities. Please help me to find balance in working and creating. Help me also to balance time for You and me. I realize when I put my focus and trust in You, I will be able to find my strength. Thank You, Lord, for helping me to “Cast all my anxiety on You because You care for me.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV). In the name of Jesus, amen.