It's All About Attitude

Your motive for serving is often determined by your attitude while serving.

Joe Theismann enjoyed an illustrious twelve-year career as quarterback of the Washington Redskins. He led the team to two Super Bowl appearances—winning in 1983 before losing the following year. When a leg injury forced him out of football in 1985, he was entrenched in the record books as Washington's all-time leading passer.

Still, the tail end of Theismann's career taught him a bitter lesson: “I got stagnant. I thought the team revolved around me. I should have known it was time to go when I didn't care whether a pass hit Art Monk in the 8 or the 1 on his uniform. When we went back to the Super Bowl, my approach had changed. I was griping about the weather, my shoes, practice times, everything. Today I wear my two rings—the winner's ring from Super Bowl XVII and the loser's ring from Super Bowl XVIII. The difference in those two rings lies in applying oneself and not accepting anything but the best.”

Joe Theismaan’s performance changed because his attitude changed. Where once he played because he loved the game, he now played because it was a way to make a living; he was focused on himself, not the team.

Sadly enough, many times Christians become like Joe Theismann. They once loved serving the Lord and did all they could to serve Him, but now they serve God because it’s expected of them. They complain about the church facilities, the pastor, the service, or anything else. They have forgotten the reason they are serving.

God says in Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” He also commands us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” God reminds us time and again that our service should not be because it is required or because we are trying to appease someone; we should serve God because we love Him and we want to honor and glorify Him.

Why do you serve God? Why do you help out in the nursery, help clean the church, cook for the less fortunate, visit the widows, and spend time soulwinning? Is it to please man or to glorify God? Take time right now to think of how you serve Christ. Now evaluate why you serve. Your motive for serving is often determined by your attitude while serving. Ask God to renew your love and joy in serving Him. Next time someone asks you to help out, joyfully accept and determine to do it with a joyful heart that desires to glorify God.

Source: dailyintheword.org, February 28, 2009