Years ago, when I had a flooring business, I learned very quickly how difficult it can be to make people happy. Especially when demolition was involved and folks were not considering the final product, there was a real hesitation in seeing the work I was doing as adding to the beauty. Thankfully in most cases, once people experienced the completed project, there was appreciation. I always enjoyed the appreciation, but I did not always receive it in an overt way. For some, I was simply doing what they had paid me to do, and I always enjoyed being paid too.

For all of us it begs the question, for what are we working? Whether in our vocations or careers, or in our service within the church for our brothers and sisters, why do we do what we do? Is it getting paid? I’m sure that a paycheck has something to do with it, but there are countless ways to earn a living. Why do we do what we do? Is it for the sake of some kind of appreciation. Sure, everyone likes to be recognized.

The Bible teaches us that work is a gift, and service to others is a blessing. When we give our time and talents to serve others there are always rewards. They may not come in the form of payment or appreciation. The reward may quite possibly come from the Lord himself. The encouragement is to reckon in our hearts and minds the idea that everything we do, whether eating or drinking, or in service to others, is done for Christ.

The spiritual discipline of service turns our attitudes to this theme. It is an intentional engagement of our will to serve the Lord through service to others. Intentionality is what makes service a discipline. Setting aside daily or weekly time to write letters, or make phone calls, or serving the homeless with Watchmen of the Street or the children of the Neighborhood Care Center. So, in this season of Lent, consider putting acts of service on your calendar, and as you serve, know that you are serving Jesus.