Distractionless Service

What is my service? How and why do I serve God?

1 John 4:19

Colossians 3:23 Every aspect of myself is single in purpose. Everything is to please God. It is individual; we each have our own way to serve.

Serve without distractions, which often come in the form of another human.

Comparison

Luke 10:38,39,40,41,42 Both Martha and Mary were serving Jesus. Both were giving good, but different, service. Mary's service at this time was to sit and listen. Martha was distracted from her own work because Mary wasn’t serving in the same way. Mary served without distraction. Comparison is the root of the problem, even in the service of God. Maybe I am busy and involved in many things. But, on the other hand, I might seem to be a “Mary” to someone else and seem to be "doing nothing." I don’t know what others are doing outside of the six hours I see them. Just because it doesn’t look like my service or worship doesn't mean they are not in service to God. Take these thoughts and feelings to God.

Romans 14:4 Others are not my servants. They are God's servant.

Had Martha been content in her service, she could have still heard Jesus's words.

Hurt and confusion will take my mind off my purpose. This is the enemy’s goal.

Focusing on how life didn’t turn out the way I wanted it

John 11:1,2,3,4,5,6 John 11:17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32 The house was full again and Martha was the host, again. This time she went out to greet Jesus. Things did not turn out the way they expected and they were distracted and consumed by grief. If this becomes engulfing, it pulls from service and it can even become an idol. I can continue to serve in disappointment. Both of them, even though they were distracted, turned to Jesus. I can continue to serve because I know God has it under His control.

What I think others think of my service

Mark 14:3,4,5,6 Mary was burdened and pressed and moved to serve Jesus this way. Many believed because she didn’t offer this money to the church, it was a waste. If Jesus heard these comments, so did Mary. But she continued to serve Jesus to the end. She could have stopped her actions. Maybe some think my service is a waste. I could feel intimidated to express myself in church, to show up or not show up to events, to speak to others or offer help, or to give too much or not enough. All these thoughts can hinder my service. God doesn’t ask for service to exhaustion, but he does ask for service.

A living sacrifice (service) can hurt or be inconvenient or feel unfair. Something can be important to me – I should not wonder why others don’t feel the same. This kind of attitude prevents my blessing. Pray for understanding and compassion.

Why do I serve God? Find and keep your “why” so you can serve without distractions and with gladness.