01/18/2025
In my devotional reading this morning Pastor Oswald Chambers asked a simple question that took me aback. I hadn't thought about this so directly before; this is what he asked… "Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?" Are you willing to humbly consider this question and honestly answer it today?
Wow, that statement caused me to look at my motivation when serving the Lord. Were there times when I was trying to impress Him with the things I did each day, or was I actually being called by Him to do those things? Does Jesus ask me to do the religious things I do every day or are they more about me than God’s will? So, I began to ask myself this morning if the works I was doing were getting in the way of my dedication to Him, or if I was being faithful in doing these seemingly Godly things? To answer this question, I fell back to one of my core beliefs.
Long ago I realized that God doesn't desire unnecessary motion or religious fluff... Jesus was born a simple man, and not a king draped in jewels. God wants the simple things that get to the point, that are within His will, and are indicative of our relationship with Him… no long drawn out prayers meant to impress Him or others, no country club like activities at church that we disguise as spiritual attempts to draw sinners to church when the gospel is enough. No ornate surroundings that are as far removed from Jesus Christ as King Herod’s palace was from the birthplace of Jesus, and the manger that He was placed in.
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”
Matthew 6:7 KJV
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.”
Philippians 2:3-6 CSB
God isn't looking to be impressed by us; there is nothing we can do or say that stirs Him to marvel at our efforts. He simply wants us to do His will as He has instructed us... He wants us to recognize who He is and dedicate ourselves to Him. He wants us to say what is in our heart; clearly and succinctly. God wants us to recognize Him for the omnipotent ruler and creator that He is.
“Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”
John 20:27-28 KJV
In five words Thomas expressed completely his understanding of who Jesus is. He revealed that he had grasped the fullness of Christ by simply saying "My Lord and my God." In these five words his heart was opened to Jesus. Why is it that we must give a lengthy oration to say the same thing?
And after we recognize Him, God wants us to do as He instructs us, just as Jesus gave instruction to the apostles regarding what they should do after being filled with the Spirit... He did this in a single sentence…
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 KJV
Pastor Chambers spoke of our obedience to God when he wrote these bold and challenging words regarding our works and service of faith:
"Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him." - Oswald Chambers
How many times have we performed seemingly faithful busy work when we haven't heard the Lord's voice? Haven’t we fill many hours with self-serving activity in the hope it would win God's attention, when what He really wants us to do is to be still and wait upon Him; listen for His voice; know that He is God. Becoming wrapped up in the tasks we are performing in the name of our faith (no matter how good intentioned) can carry us away from Him and focus us on what we are doing, not on what He desires of us.
Doing chores is one thing, because they are necessary and maintain our church buildings and grounds, but concocting initiatives that we feel are godly, only serves to get in the way of our devotion and creates noise that hides the true voice of God as He attempts to communicate His will to us. In one final quote from Pastor Chambers I understood...
"We are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in His battling." - Oswald Chambers
Unlike the mantra of this world we live in, it ain't all about us! We don't save God, He saves us. Our lives should be centered on a loving servant's relationship with Him... nothing more and nothing less. His will is paramount, and as long as we keep Jesus Christ in the forefront of our thoughts, prayers, and efforts, we will be filled with His love and ultimately saved by His sacrifice and the Father's grace. No service is grand enough, and no ornate prayer can sway our judgement, unless it is created, constructed, and surrounded by God's will. Praise God.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the simplicity of our salvation and the gospel… believe. I pray that my efforts to serve you are always in accordance with your will and guided by your voice. If I should stray by placing my own will before yours in an attempt to please you, call out to me Lord. Correct my variances and clearly reveal to me the narrow road that leads to you. Father God, you are the sole aim in all I do, my eyes rest upon you and my heart ever yearns for your presence. When I pray, hear my humble words of longing and feel the yearning of my heart’s desire. Give me your direction that I may always be of use to you. Lead me in righteousness and make me holy in my true service to you. In you and Jesus Christ I believe and by this your grace has saved me.
Amen
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16-17 ESV
“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:43-45 ESV
Rich Forbes