Serving the Glory of God
This was a particularly difficult passage for Martin Luther. In his time the existing church was preaching that it was by an individual’s work that heaven would be reached. This flew in the face of Luther’s emphasis on the grace of God being the way in which people can have the promise of heaven. Following Luther’s lead there was a time, maybe for a long time, in which works were de-emphasized as being part and parcel of faith.
But James’ question is valuable today. Are not the works we do necessary for our faith to be alive? Yes, they definitely are! However, they are the intended result of our faith not our ticket into heaven. Our serving to the glory of God includes all things we do being a thankful child of God. It really is who we are. The smallest act of kindness—a smile given to a stranger—can be a service done to the glory of God. The bigger acts of philanthropy—millions or billions of dollars given to find a vaccine for the corona virus—may get greater ink than our day to day acts of kindness, but such acts are no greater in importance than our caring for and loving each other.
Serving to the glory of God is being Christ like in all that we do whether it is taking care of the land on which we live, or meeting the needs of the neighbors who live around us. Serving is our heart turned outward in all we do and say. Serving is our finding our joy in being God’s hands in our world. Serving is our choosing to extend ourselves, not for selfish gain, but for our own personal and spiritual health. It is as important to us as breathing. Servant eyes see other’s needs. Who will you serve today?
Prayer:
Use me O God, to do your work, glorifying your name in my life. Amen
Pastor Jerry
Tomorrow: Surrender to the Glory of God
