Serving… the Joy Before You
Why do we do the things we do? To provide for our families, to fulfill a promise or goal, out of obligation or guilt? There are many reasons why we do them, but today I was reminded to look past the reason and see what my heart was like as I was doing them.
There are days that our jobs are more enjoyable than others. The same with our responsibilities at home and to our family and friends. Our attitude plays an important role in how the whole process plays out. Some days when I know that the work load will be heavy and challenging, I can think myself into a bad mood about the job. Other days I can do the opposite and find myself very excited to begin a project.
I was reading a verse today that I’ve read many times, but today as I’m mentally preparing to work on a side project, the verse really touched me about doing it with the right heart. In Hebrews 12:2 it reads, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Take a moment and picture that in your mind. Jesus was headed to the cross after being beaten and mistreated for hours. His task for the rest of that day was to be nailed naked to a cross and be mocked and ridiculed all why suffering for the sins of the world. I have never had that bad of a day nor a task that required so much from me.
Yet Jesus set His heart on the joy set before Him and endured it all. What was that joy? That joy was in doing the will of the Father, not His own and leading many to glory. His joy is our redemption, which brings God glory.
That is both amazing and humbling. It really makes me check my attitude in doing things for others. Side projects may require me to change my schedule or work when I wanted to relax or play, but they also give opportunities to practice being like Jesus. To do something for the purpose of serving and helping someone else without any other expectations.
Another helpful verse is Colossians 3: 23-24 which reads, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
With that in my mind and heart I know that my attitude will be where it should be and that I will be serving for the joy set before me today. The joy of serving for Jesus.
My Prayer
Father, thank you for Your word that always leads me in the right direction. I want to serve with a heart for You and others. I needed this correction today and I’m so blessed that You are ever present to guide me and remind me how best to live for you. Thank you for today’s project, I know it will workout well because I will be doing it for You. In Jesus name, amen.
Where does my help come from?
Hebrews 12:2
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Colossians 3: 23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”