"But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you."
Are we this unconcerned with receiving credit for our good deeds? Even workers dedicated and consistent in their service can struggle with motivation.
Well meaning compliments, social media accolades, and peer approval can be distracting.
But Paul says that even if his life is seen only as a secondary offering, poured out to enhance the main offering of other's ... he will rejoice with them.
This is the litmus test of your ministry... Do you need the spotlight?
The group that Jesus most harshly rebuked was the pharisees and religious hypocrites, who used God's work, to bring attention to themselves.
So the question is are you content to remain anonymous when you serve?
The answer to that question dramatically impacts your effectiveness.
"Dying to yourself" and "living for Christ" it is not poetic language ... it is a requirement if you want to be used by God. Understanding what Christ has done for us removes the necessity of accolades, as well as the need for any motivation other than gratitude.
The real "all-stars" at your church may not have titles, and probably haven't been introduced to the congregation. They set up chairs, care for children in the nursery, and clean up after fellowships. They donate money they don't have, to help people who have even less, and are often almost invisible to earthly eyes.
They seem like regular members of the church but if they become aware of a need in your life, they will show up to meet that need, and then they will be gone again, off to the next secret service project.
The best way to find them is to look for the brightest smiles in your congregation ... Their joy gives them away, because they have figured it out.
It is a simple decision really. Choose to serve others because God loves them, and you love them. When you do that, and they prosper, you become their biggest fan, thrilled to be a "drink offering" poured out to enhance their ministry.
Join God's "Secret Service", and see how much you can do for others without being noticed...your smile will give you away.
"Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others."
- Helen Keller
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