By their fruits you shall know them, Jesus says. But sometimes Christian service can be deceptive. We have a tendency to look at the “so-called” big shots in our churches as the super-spiritual ones. When you attend your church’s business meeting the ones who have reported or always have something to share are usually the ones we think highly of.
In recent news, you may have heard of some famous Christian leaders who very vocally turned away from the Christian faith. Many of you may have formed your own opinions about your decisions. However, when was the last time that you did an internal assessment? Have you done self-examination on your Christian life?
Furthermore, is the service your offering up to God coming from the heart, or is it deceptive?
Here are 4 reasons your service to God can be deceptive:
1. Your Christian service to God will be deceptive if you’re looking for a pat on the back
Are you looking to receive accolades for a job well done? You came to church and cleaned up some leaves that blew under the door of the sanctuary, but no one noticed or even said thank you.
You’ve been practicing the whole week to be a good praise leader and you even surprised yourself. Yet, no one even mentioned that you did a great job today.
These thoughts and motives are not far from us. It is quite possible to want to receive a pat on the back now and again.
However, if you notice this is the main reason that you are leading in a particular area, or doing a good deed, it may be time to quit while you can.
All glory and praise should be towards God, not you.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they existed and were created.” Rev.4:11(ESV)
Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Psa. 29:1-2 (KJV)
2. Your Christian service to God will be deceptive if you’re a people-pleaser
Are you a person that has a problem with being nice? Is it hard for you to say No to others?
It’s ok if you’re not involved in some ministries. It is not every area that is your spiritual gift. When you like to please others, is there any time left to please God?
This is a fast way to get burn out and far away from communication with Jesus. The only person you have to please is God. If he lays a particular ministry on your heart then that is what you should do.
It doesn’t matter if the pastor or deacon asks unless what they’re asking corresponds with what God wants you to then, your answer should be a NO.
Do you want to hear “Well done” from people or God?
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal.1:10 (ESV)
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. I Thes.2:4
3. Your Christian service to God will be deceptive if you’re going through the motions
Are you going through the motions?
As a pastor’s kid, I have asked myself this question many times. When you are going to church regularly; you sometimes can skip out on devotional times with God and feel as though it’s not needed. But that is so wrong.
God wants to have an intimate and real relationship with each of us; personally not congregational.
Church has its place but only after you’ve spent time with the King of Kings by yourself.
When you’re going through the motions it is so easy to share a bible story in Children’s church or sing a solo because you’re so accustomed to doing it.
Two things to keep in mind are self-examination is key and your works will be tried in heaven. Do you really want your life of service to God to count for dirt, hay, or stubble?
If you are going through the motions it is time to turn back to God and repent.
Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice. Psa.51:16-17 (The Message)
4. Are you looking for fame or popularity?
This one goes beyond wanting to receive a pat on the back. Seeking popularity and fame falls under one category and it is the sin of the arch-enemy of God.
Pride.
In this day and age, false teachers and believers who have itching ears are finding each other and calling their union Christianity. This is not so. These teachers are looking to receive the glory and praise from us that is due to the one and only Living God.
If you find that being at the forefront of a ministry is causing you to idolize yourself and not give glory to God that is due to his name then you need to step down from the position until you’ve worked it all out with God.
Pride is one of the seven sins that God hates and we know that God is jealous. He doesn’t want to share his throne with anyone else and rightly so because he is in charge of this universe.
If you’re seeking fame and popularity through your service to God remember Herod (in Acts.12) and the way he died. God is a jealous God.
Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Prov. 16:18 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James.4:6 (KJV)
Time for Self- Reflection
Finally, no one knows your true motives only you. I can’t see your heart and you can’t see mine.
This is where you come in. Take some time and examine yourself.
Are you trying to please men by being active in service for God or are you doing everything as unto God?
Will God be pleased?
If you read this article and you somehow know deep down that you need to have a relationship with Jesus, read about accepting Christ here.
If there is an area of your life that was touched in this article that you need to make right with God, please don’t hesitate to do so.
Don’t forget to leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks for stopping by,
I love you with the love of Christ. Join me as I seek to love everyone God’s way.
Keneesha 🙂
