The "why" of service

Today I (finally!) finished my study of Hebrews with an in-depth look of Hebrews 13.  One of the exercises in the New Inductive Series is to come up with a summary/title for the chapter, and for me the focus of Hebrews 13 boils down to this truth: "Christ; the same today, yesterday, and forever; the Reason I live, serve, and do good."

Hebrews 13 lists many good things we should strive to do as Christians, but none of these should take precedence for our love of Christ.  It is because of Him that we choose to live in obedience.  John puts it this way:

And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. --I John 2:3-6

I have written about this before, but as a person whose identity is closely aligned with the idea of serving, I often have to remember to check my motivations.  Why am I choosing to do something good?  If I am choosing it because I'm seeking attention or acknowledgement from others, then my good deed is not truly good.  This same idea is echoed in one of Chambers' challenges this week:

If we are devoted to the cause of humanity, we shall soon be crushed and broken-hearted, for we shall often meet with more ingratitude from men than we would from a dog; but if our motive is love to God, no ingratitude can hinder us from serving our fellow men. (February 23)

At times it is easy for me to feel hurt when my service goes unnoticed, especially when this is in an area where I have poured myself out completely.  While I am not suggesting we go around with ingratitude toward one another, I also realize that my emotions can be deceived when my focus is on myself or even the people whom I am serving.  I am so thankful that the Lord reminds me to focus all of my love and attention where it belongs: on Him, the one true object of my devotion.