The Challenge of Serving

Reverend J. Loren Russell

Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Serving God is not intended to be a half-hearted endeavor. To be a true servant of the Lord, you must be engaged mentally, physically, and spiritually. It will require your full commitment. But the truth is that it is much easier said than done.

The challenge of serving means forsaking everything else that competes for our attention; material possessions, relationships, career ambitions, even our personal desires. “Mammon” can be defined as anything that competes against the Lord for our attention or devotion. It may make us feel good on the inside and look good on the outside but is not serving the Lord.

To serve the Lord, as is cited in the scripture text, requires intentionality. Moses questioned the Israelites, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). Those of us who are followers of the Word of God know that obedience is better than sacrifice. We also know that obedience to God is for our good, but still find it challenging to serve as the Lord directs us.

Because we cannot meet the challenge of serving through our own power or ability, the Lord gave us step-by-step instructions. First, we must trust the power of the Holy Spirit who enables us to serve God effectively. Then, we must set aside regular time for prayer, Bible study and worship. Finally, we must surround ourselves with fellow believers who encourage and challenge us in our service.

The obstacles, hurdles, and challenges to effective service to the Lord are not insurmountable, they are merely steppingstones to more effective and productive discipleship. Whatever “mammon” competes for your heart will ultimately compete for your service. Choose Christ first, and everything else will find its proper place.

Be Blessed!

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the clergy officiant of the Evangelical Church of God, all in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096), and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live.

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