Are You Serving for Christ or for Yourself?

 

Recently, I was part of a serve project with my brothers. At the end, we gathered for a picture, but one of our brothers and his son had already left. Someone commented, “They always leave before the pictures.” At first, I thought it was just bad timing—but as I reflected on their hearts, I realized it was spiritual timing.

 

They didn’t stay for recognition because the work was already done, and the glory had already been given to God. They didn’t need to be in the picture, and they didn’t need the world to see what they had done. They served because there was a need, and they had the ability to meet it. That’s what the love of Christ looks like.

 

On the other hand, I also know a brother who admitted that he sometimes serves because it feels good when people thank him for it. But when the thanks didn’t come, he grew upset and discouraged. That’s the danger of seeking your reward in the present—your joy rises and falls based on man’s response. But true joy in serving only comes when Christ is at the center, not your flesh.

 

Jesus said:

 

“Be careful not to parade your acts of tzedakah [righteousness] in front of people in order to be seen by them! If you do, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

— Matthew 6:1 (CJB)

 

And Paul reminds us:

 

“Whatever work you do, put yourself into it, as those who are serving not merely other people but the Lord; because you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving a Master, the Messiah.”

— Colossians 3:23–24 (CJB)

 

The world offers fleeting recognition, but Yeshua offers eternal reward. The joy of serving isn’t in the applause of men—it’s in knowing that Christ is glorified.

 

So, ask yourself: Are you serving to be seen and thanked, or are you serving to glorify Christ? Would you rather receive fleeting recognition now—or the eternal inheritance that awaits you in heaven?

 

-Rev Carlos Figueroa