“‘Your words have been arrogant against Me,’ says the LORD. ‘Yet you say, “What have we spoken against You?” You have said, “It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning before the LORD of hosts?”’” (Mal. 3:13-14).
It is a definite fact that we are obligated (and privileged) to serve God. The Lord stressed, “For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY’” (Matt. 4:10). Because of the great sacrifice of the Christ Himself, we are in a position to effectively “serve the living God” (Heb. 9:14). The apostle Paul often referred to himself as being a “servant of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:1, 9). We must also strive to imitate Paul (Phil. 3:17) as he followed Christ.
In connection with serving God, the question is often asked, “Does it pay? Is it worthwhile?” In the days of Malachi, the wicked said: (1) “It is vain to serve God.” (2) “What profit is it that we have kept His ordinances?” (3) “What profit is it that we have walked mournfully before the Lord?” Is it possible that we could be guilty of the same thing?
I don’t think we say these words, but we are quick to evaluate what we invest our time and efforts into. We may think things like: “Is it worth it to get up on a Sunday morning and worship?” Or “I don’t think I get much out of the lessons and Bible classes.” Or “It doesn’t pay to practice my faith, no one else does, and they are doing fine.” We cannot afford to be so short-sighted. We are falling into the same lies that Satan spun with Eve all those many years ago. Another aspect is that we are consumers. If we are not careful, we could change our faith into a consumer faith. “What’s in it for me?” “What is the pay off?” We must remember that what we are promised is long term.
The prophet Malachi emphasized, “It does pay to serve God!” He stressed: (1) That God delights in the fellowship of His people; (2) That God hears and hearkens to His people; (3) That God has before Him a “book of remembrance” for those who fear Him; (4) That in the day when God makes up His jewels, He will spare those who have loved Him and served Him (Mal. 3:16-18). In serving God, there are wonderful blessings both now and in the hereafter.
The reward lies before us. That is why He went to prepare a place. The reward of service can only be reaped when the service is done. As long as it is still called today, we must serve with obedience. He is the Creator of all living things. Does He not deserve our service? What will you do to show your obedience to the Father this week?