Day 12 - The Heart Behind Serving

By David Hernquist, Worship Pastor

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58

This week, we’re praying and seeking God for a corporate breakthrough as a church. And as I’ve been praying, I’m constantly being brought back to the topic of the heart behind serving.

I believe serving within the context of the local church is one of the most important aspects of being a follower of Christ. Not only does it give us practical opportunities to minister to people in different ways, but it also provides an avenue for us to be stretched in our walk with Christ. And it’s way more than what you see on a Sunday Morning, Outreaches, or just helping one another in various ways. I’m not talking about just physical work or admin planning that goes on behind the scenes. I’m talking about what goes on inside the heart of a servant.

The whole matter of the heart is a tricky thing. The Bible is pretty clear that a noble action is incomplete if the heart behind it doesn’t line up. Kind of like fasting. You can eat all the right things, but if you keep trying to imagine your Quinoa is actually your favorite Italian dish, something’s not  lining up there :).

For some context, the Bible tells us that our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). God also tells us to hide His commands in our heart (Deuteronomy 6:6), and to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) because everything we do flows from it. SO! What this tells me is that it takes effort on my part for the word of God to stay in my heart. That over time, life has a tendency to pull my heart in the opposite direction of what God’s word says for us. This is why the Psalmist says “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11).

It’s worth saying that to have this, we need to fight for it within ourselves! So I’ve put together a list of 7 attitudes and motives within the heart of a servant.

7 Attitudes and Motives in the Heart of a Servant

1. Love! - This is the most important one. First, because we love Jesus. Second, because we love people, and Third, If we don’t have love, we are nothing. I can strum my guitar, do setup by myself, make coffee, and change diapers, but if I have not love, I’m nothing. (1 Corinthians 13)
2. It’s not about me. I was once one of those people coming in to church for the first time, needing someone to show me the love of Christ. Now it’s my turn! - 1 John 4:11
3. I want to grow as a disciple of Jesus. And Jesus served. - Mark 10:43-45
4. I want to be a good steward of the gifts God has given me. We’re not just burying talents over here. - Matthew 25:14-30
5. I have a part to play and I want to do it well! - Colossians 3:17
6.  I’m called to serve. This isn’t just a task. This is a passion in my heart to see people far from God, draw closer. - Galatians 5:13
7. It’s worth it! - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Questions for Reflection:

1. Which of these motives resonates within me the most? 
   
2. Which of these motives presents the most difficulty for me? Why? 
   
3. What in my heart needs to change for me to have the heart of a servant? 
   

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