SERVING GOD BECAUSE IT IS RIGHT

By Curtis Pugh

God initiated a controversy with the devil: “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth [shuns, avoids] evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?” (Job 1:8-9). The devil claimed that Job was serving God for what he could get out of it. He asked if a man would serve God for nothing.

We face the same question today. If you are serving God, why are you doing so? Are you attempting to play politics with God? Do you think to influence Him and bring good things to you because you serve Him? Are you in reality trying to bribe God? God does not accept bribes! 2 Chronicles 19:7 says: “...for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts [bribes].” We must not think that because we do this or that or the other God owes us anything at all!

It is true that God made certain promises to His chosen Nation, Israel, promising them natural blessings if they would serve Him. For instance, God said to Israel: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts,” (Malachi 3:10-12). But God never made such a promise to any other nation or group of people. Many a faithful Christian farmer has tithed, for example, and yet suffered crop failure. Do not claim promises made to the Nation Israel for yourself! That is confusion! Do not think by serving God that He will bless you financially.

Paul was certainly a faithful servant of God. Yet he wrote: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.,” (Philippians 4:11-12). Paul's experience was one of doing without at times. Here he is not claiming any Old Testament promises made to the Nation Israel concerning God's blessings for obedience.

It is right to serve God! As Creator, Sovereign Lord and Savior it is right to serve Him. He deserves it. He is worthy of it. Will you serve God for nought?