Serving from the heart
Mark 7: 6- 7; Revelation 3: 1520
A college student, surveyed about her religious beliefs, said: “Yes, I believe in God, but I’m not nuts about Him.”
According to a Canadian Press survey, a majority of Canadians feel that way about God. Seventy- two per cent of us believe in God; but when it comes to translating our faith in God into action, most of us are clearly “not nuts about Him.”
Jesus summed up the Pharisees’ religion like this: “This people honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”( Mark 7: 6)
For the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, religion was mainly external: a keeping of law, not a gift of grace; a dividing of people into them and us, rather than uniting people in love and trust. Why is it imperative for us to know and love God in our hearts, not just our lips?
Let me suggest two reasons: To begin with, we need to acknowledge that our world needs those who are passionate about serving others, not just being served. The risen Christ made this statement about the ancient Church of Laodicea, “I know your works that you are neither cold nor hot ... So, then because you are neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth.” ( Revelation 3: 15- 16)
Why so harsh? It is because serving God and neighbour requires individuals to replace their own wills with God’s will; and their own interests, with the interests of others.
William Lloyd Garrison, the American abolitionist, hated slavery with a passion. His best friend, Samuel May, tried to cool him down: “Oh, my friend, you are all on fire.”
Garrison replied, “Brother May, I have need to be all on fire, for I have mountains of ice around me to melt.”
To melt the ice of indifference and injustice around us, God is seeking those who will meet the needs of others and champion the causes of those who feel powerless and marginalized in our society.
To conclude, we need to consider that Jesus’ invitation is for all who will hear and respond: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” ( Revelation 3: 20)
For 30 years, Mother Teresa worked tirelessly among the most forsaken people in Calcutta, India, and served them with a warm smile. How did she do it? She said, “When I was leaving my home at the age of 18, my mother told me something beautiful and very strange. She said, ‘ You put your hand in Jesus’ hand and walk along with him.’”
That was what gave this humble Christian servant such joy and fulfillment throughout life.
We can be blessed with sufficient wealth, health, home and country, but still fail to serve others passionately and greet them with a warm smile. I believe what makes the difference is to know God in our hearts, not just on our lips.
In these times, the world desperately needs those who are on fire for Jesus Christ and who seek to translate God’s passion into loving and serving others. Living only for self leads to boredom and despair.
The good news is that we can experience a new beginning by accepting Christ’s gracious invitation to know and serve Him, through loving and serving others. So, put your hand in Jesus’ hand, receive him into your heart through faith and then serve others for the glory of God and the blessing and praise of His people.