John 21: 16
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
One who loves the Lord will serve the Lord. Whenever Peter answered Jesus "I love you", the Lord commanded him: "You have to take care of my sheep", because loving God and obeying God are always together. Someone who loves the Lord will actively follow the Lord's command. Ministry for him is no longer a burden and responsibility, and it's not an obligation to fulfill the pastor's orders, rather it is an offering entirely on his own. The meeting is no longer a formality that you really need to push yourself to attend; the meeting is there because of the hunger for the presence of God. Offering is no longer given in reluctance because the offering bag is being passed in front of you.
I used to haggle with God about tithing. Upon getting the paycheck, I used to take out 10% right away and told God, "God, this 10% is yours that I would never dare to touch. But that 90% is mine, so you better leave it alone." Very often I counted what was mine and what were yours with the Lord, so I was not a very happy Christian during that time, because I often felt the Lord was not satisfied with my 10% offering.
Once when I was struggling in my mind: "Oh Lord, this is mine and that is yours", suddenly the Lord from within sternly rebuked me: "Forget about what's yours and what's mine! They are all mine!" then I realized that everything that we own actually comes from God! Now He lets us manage time, money and energy, shouldn't we return to God everything that He has given us? Once I realize this truth, I become more willing to offer myself to God, not only in money, but even my time and energy. Not only that, I become happier, because all these giving in love become natural and spontaneous.
Brothers and sisters, when you love the Lord, you will take the initiative to serve the Lord; you will see the needs of the ministry and fill the gap. Have you passionately served the Lord in your lives? More importantly, do you love the Lord? Many people say, "Yes, I love the Lord." But if there is no example of giving yourselves and serving in your lives, it is difficult for people to know that you truly love the Lord. In love, you must give up yourself, without it, you don't understand love.
Jesus Christ loves us, because he gave himself for us. As Jesus gave himself on the cross for us, so we can grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love the Lord. Do you love the Lord? How much have you given yourself for the Lord? Are you willing to offer yourself for the Lord such that God would receive the highest glory in you? Today the Lord also asks us this question, "Do you love me more than these?" What are these to you? May the Spirit shine upon us, let's offer our lives once again to the Lord to serve His purposes.
Pray with Pastor Tong
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