1 Corinthians: A 35-Day Reading PlanSample

Are You Serving With The Right Motivation?

Walking into church, you are greeted by several people. Entering the auditorium, you receive a pen and notes, then are helped to a seat by an usher. During the service, people operate cameras while the band leads worship and the pastor preaches. Afterward, people are available to talk and pray with anyone who has a need.

Every Sunday, the people we encounter, and many more, are volunteers. And each one is using his or her gifts to serve people and the church. Every believer has at least one spiritual gift, and together we are one body, one church (1 Corinthians 12).

We are called to use the gifts God has given us, but more importantly we are called to do so in love. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 13:2, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

Are your actions characterized first and foremost by love?

This may sound easier said than done. When you are serving others, ask yourself, “Am I patient? Am I kind? Do I envy or boast? Am I proud, rude, or self-seeking?” It is easy to get caught up in serving for our own good, such as our status or pride.

The truth is, our work for God is worthless without love. God, in essence, is love. Whatever we do for Jesus only reflects Jesus if we do it with the heart of Jesus. Think about your interactions with your family, the people you serve alongside, and the people you work with. Are your actions characterized first and foremost by love?

Reflect:

• Is there any area of your life — in your home, at work, at church, or elsewhere — where love isn’t your main motivation?
• What is your spiritual gift? If you aren’t sure, ask God to reveal to you where you are gifted. Read 1 Corinthians 12 to better understand and identify your spiritual gifts.
• How are you serving others in your life? Read through 1 Corinthians 13, and consider using your gifts in love by serving at your church.