The Unspectacular Service that Pleases the Lord

When the Lord warns of false converts, He predicts that they will claim great acts of service.  In Matthew 7:22-23, He says, "Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ "

Many people are under the false impression that service of any kind pleases the Lord.  Yet, as Isaiah 64:6 says, even our righteous deeds are like filthy rags.  No one will be saved by their good works (Eph 2:8-9).

Still, the Lord has created believers for good works (Eph 2:10).  Interestingly, the good works He prepares in Christians are not always banner or newsworthy, contra the false converts in Matthew 7.  Consider the kind of ministry Jesus speaks of in Matthew 25:31–46.

  • Giving food to a hungry believer.
  • Giving drink to a thirsty believer.
  • Being hospitable to a believer we haven’t met before.
  • Giving clothes to a naked believer.
  • Visiting sick and imprisoned believers.

That’s most ministry: meeting the overlooked and essential needs of others.  It’s the unspectacular.  It doesn’t put us in the limelight.  But it honors Christ, being an extension of our worship. 

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