Hebrews 12:25 says something powerful. “Since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
As we look at serving God “acceptably” consider how we serve God, our family, and in our vocation and towards people in general. The apostle Paul grasped hold of a Kingdom perspective. Therefore, he shows us some powerful concepts relating to serving God. He understood that one aspect of serving God is related to knowing our gifts and calling and serving through God’s grace in humility and love.
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:1-8)
Paul also saw our serving is holy to God. So, he encourages us to grasp hold of God’s purposes. That centers our serving according to God’s will and purposes He hopes to achieve through us. It takes our motivation off self. It helps us come out of a self-serving or feel-good-about-our-serving mode that is prevalent in the world and centered in self. It brings us to delighting in passionately serving God and serving others through compassion.
“according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:8-9)
Paul understood that in gaining God’s perspective, our vision is strengthened. We can, therefore, see the big picture of things easier. This enables us to cultivate forward-looking vision. As a result, we can better see how things can progress forward. This gives us hope for the future. Most importantly, it also helps us see into eternity. This encourages us and motivates us to pursue God-centered, God-initiated goals according to His higher purposes and upward call for us.
“reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
REFLECT – RELATE – RESPOND
Consider how a seed grows into a large plant. What gifts do you realize God has given you?
Meditate on how these gifts can be applied in a progressive way, leading you to express and move in these areas of gifting in greater measures as God strengthens you in faith and in trusting in His abilities.
Embrace God’s realities. As you do, He will enable you to overcome your fears and work within your gifts in a greater way. Be blessed as you do!