Quick Message: Labor of Love

Labor of Love

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NKJV) "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father."

If you have ever stepped up to the call and request to serve in your local church then you don't really need me to tell you that it's work; hard work; really hard work at times. You already know that. Serving Jesus through the ministry of your church is such a wonderful joy, but it can be tiring on occasion.

That's why you have to be very careful of your motivation. It can't be to be seen by men or to impress men or any other type of human centered motivation. Your motivation, my motivation, the fuel that keeps our hearts in tune with Jesus as we serve, is LOVE.

For the church that was in the city of Thessalonica, they were known to have a 'labor of love.' That was their reputation.

A lot of times people serve to be seen by men. Why? Because our flesh loves to be recognized, applauded, and praised. A big problem with that type of motivation is that humans are so fickle. An even larger problem is that our service is to Jesus first and foremost. When love is that key motivator, then you're love for Jesus carries you through. When we realize just how much the Lord has done for us, we can't help but serve our hearts out unto Him!

Serving Jesus,
Pastor Ed