DILIGENT HANDS IN SERVICE (2)

“…Always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” – 1 Corinthians 15:58b

In Time and Eternity, God will always reward DILIGENT HANDS in SERVICE: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1Cor.15:57-58). As we’ve consistently noted, the Hand is truly amazing and unique among the diverse parts of the human body. Hands have the ability to touch, take, give, grip things tightly and powerfully, hold things gently, or move and manipulate objects with care and precision. Hands are among our greatest assets. Believers in Christ are expected to present their bodies – including the hands – “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” This is our “reasonable SERVICE” (Rom.12:1). Hands are tools of action and service.

The various parts of our bodies can be used to either honour or dishonour God; to serve Him acceptably or otherwise! How we use our hands and what they represent to us, will determine to a large extent how well we would serve God. Not all services are acceptable to God. In relating with God through service, it must be on His terms, not by human standards. Diligence – as opposed to laziness or slothfulness – is the dedicated fervency God calls us to invest in each task that we perform: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you SERVE the Lord Christ” (Col.3: 23-24).

Through His Son, Jesus Christ, God graciously provides Believers with the strength needed to be diligent: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Pet.1: 2-3). Here are few scriptures on Diligence for Acceptable Service:

Serving God with Gladness: “SERVE the Lord with GLADNESS; come before His presence with singing” (Psa.100:2). One way to trigger God’s unending supplies is by diligently serving the Lord with gladness of heart. Our hearts drive our hands. God sees beyond outward appearances to the state of the heart, the motives, and attitudes (Pro.15:3). In feigning service to God, some folks sing with their lips but murmur in their hearts; they regard their service as a chore or burden which is to be borne with a straight face.

Reluctant service is never in God’s agenda: “because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies…” (Dt.28:47-48a). God is not a taskmaster; and no assignment undertaken by man in God’s kingdom is wasted! As we serve Him with gladness, our service enters the book of records, and we’ll eat the fruit of our labour.

Serving God continually: “So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel ad cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you SERVE CONTINUALLY, He will deliver you” (Dan.6:16). This was the testimony of the gentile king, Darius, concerning Daniel’s continual, diligent service. No wonder God delivered him. Consistency and speed are success keys on the tracks of life. Athletes who run half-way and give up, never receive a prize no matter how well they started. Half-hearted service is rarely rewarded.

Serving God by ministering to humanity: “BE DILIGENT to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds” (Pro.27:23). “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same DILIGENCE to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:10–12).