Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Sutherland
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FROM THE PASTOR

the true motivation for christian service


Serving in the church can often seem tiresome and never ending, it can be, and is often felt as giving, volunteering or sacrificing time, money, or effort. But what is behind service? What is behind serving?
 
Motivation. Selfless acts of service can be done for many different reasons by Christians and non-Christians alike. Simply seeing what has been done, does not really indicate why something is done. Serving, or service, may be motivated by a sense of care and responsibility for another person; in one way or another, we are responsible to, and for each other – it’s built into the order of Creation, i.e., God as creator, and all people are brothers and sisters of God as Father.
 
Christian service can also be the result of legalistic, or moralistic motivation. Individuals can engage in acts of service because they feel as though its their Christian duty, or because they feel that in this way they are somehow earning, or seeking God’s approval. However, for the Christian, the motivation for service arises from the cross. Or if you like: Christian servanthood arises out of a Theology of the Cross; Christian service begins as a response to the love and forgiveness experienced of God in Christ.
 
Next time I’ll talk a little bit about the Theology of the Cross, which is our motivation for service. God bless and strengthen you in whatever place God has placed you to serve.
 


We Pray For:
† Groups that meet for fellowship, studies and devotions including God For Us.
† Victims of hatred and racism.
† Refugees who are not accepted by any country.
† Single people who yearn for a life partner to share your love with.
† Those confused about religion.
† Victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse in their families.
† Those who think you don't care because they are sick, or suffer from an incurable disease.