Why Do You Serve

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This particular verse can be a challenging one for any pastor or church leader who is committed to the mission of the church. Why?

First, let's look at what it says:
"For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe" -ESV

So many people serve in the church. Good thing. Many people are committed to seeing people reached. Good thing. There are leaders who sacrifice time, money and comfort to grow the church. Good thing.

And many people serve out of obligation, fear, pride, selfishness or guilt. Bad thing.

Let's be honest, the end that many people "toil and strive" towards is not Godliness and not completely set on "the living God." That might be part of it, but I've seen too often that people serve and toil and work and strive for their own reasons. They want to be viewed as successful or not a failure. They want to be assured of keeping their job or reputation. They want to be honored without being completely honorable. They lift others up because that ultimately lifts them up.

Sure, somewhere along the way they point to Jesus, celebrate what He's supposedly doing, but deep down, they know their hope isn't set on the living God and Savior Jesus Christ, but on something much less...themselves.

Oh God, help us to see our sin for what it is and work to serve you and you only. Give us the strength where we have none and help us to see the truth we sometimes fail to grasp.....that we are sinful, but you are forgiving and full of hope.

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