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SERVE IT UP (3)
'Serve the Lord with gladness...' Psalm 100:2
Mother said I practically came out of the womb doing a grand jete so it was really of no surprise that I was accepted into the Royal Ballet School at aged six. I was the youngest student ever to be enrolled but apparently my pas de chat was just to die for, so they just had to have me! It can make you feel sick listening to people speak of themselves like that can't it? Especially when all you've said to encourage it is 'hello'! Paul writes 'You may brag about yourself, but the only approval that counts is the Lord's approval' (2 Cor. 10:18 CEV).
If your self-worth is based on anything other than God's approval, you won't serve with the right motives. Insecure people worry about how they'll be perceived by others: they hide their weaknesses beneath layers of protective pride. The more insecure you are, the more you need people to serve you, and the more you work for their acceptance.
The thing is, if we hold other people's opinions of us above God's, we can stop being obedient to Him because we're too worried and stifled by what other people think. No wonder Paul writes, 'let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles' (Heb. 12:1). Free yourself from being trapped by the thoughts and opinions of others. Make it easier on yourself and let your heart be glad from seeking to please and serve the Lord instead.
What now? Whatever your mood today, take the time to worship God and pray for His grace to serve Him with gladness by serving others!
written by Bob Gass
'Serve the Lord with gladness...' Psalm 100:2
Mother said I practically came out of the womb doing a grand jete so it was really of no surprise that I was accepted into the Royal Ballet School at aged six. I was the youngest student ever to be enrolled but apparently my pas de chat was just to die for, so they just had to have me! It can make you feel sick listening to people speak of themselves like that can't it? Especially when all you've said to encourage it is 'hello'! Paul writes 'You may brag about yourself, but the only approval that counts is the Lord's approval' (2 Cor. 10:18 CEV).
If your self-worth is based on anything other than God's approval, you won't serve with the right motives. Insecure people worry about how they'll be perceived by others: they hide their weaknesses beneath layers of protective pride. The more insecure you are, the more you need people to serve you, and the more you work for their acceptance.
The thing is, if we hold other people's opinions of us above God's, we can stop being obedient to Him because we're too worried and stifled by what other people think. No wonder Paul writes, 'let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles' (Heb. 12:1). Free yourself from being trapped by the thoughts and opinions of others. Make it easier on yourself and let your heart be glad from seeking to please and serve the Lord instead.
What now? Whatever your mood today, take the time to worship God and pray for His grace to serve Him with gladness by serving others!
written by Bob Gass
