Marina - In His Steps

Serving God is full of complicated motivations, is it not?  As I served in the ‘normal’ traditional church for 2 decades, I am not 100% sure I was doing it for God.  I think I was, but the pats on the back from all the other Christians weren’t bad either!  As I have ventured out into ‘non-normal’ church and serving those less fortunate than myself in my own community, I have become keenly aware that my motives may not have been so pure.  I didn’t know I’d miss the pats on the back quite so much.  That’s a yucky thought…I want to serve God because it’s a pure and honest desire of my heart!  I’m learning that as I clean bathrooms of the needy, listen to the words of the lonely, prepare meals for the fatherless and the single moms (today’s widow, I should say…)- none of which can ‘pay me back’- this is where I get to experience the real heart of Jesus.  Didn’t he tell his followers that when we feed the hungry, visit those in prison, clothe those without clothes…that’s when we served Him?  Now, I’m certainly not categorizing service to God in ‘good, better, best’; I’m merely suggesting we do a motive check.  I have been so challenged, and continue to be challenged, to serve God in whatever capacity He puts me in.  And I grow more in my service to Christ when those situations do not include anyone ‘noticing’ my work or giving me a great public praise for how godly I am.  Striving to be like Jesus forces me to lay down my pride, ego, and ambition…and just follow in His steps.