Serving the Lord: God Wants to Use You - a 5 Day Devotional Sample

DAY 2 | SERVING FROM THE RIGHT HEART

It truly is a gift to serve. It is a privilege that our Heavenly Father desires to use us in His mighty plan. However, if we’re not careful, that gift can become just another item on our to-do list or even overwhelming. Especially when our motives shift or our hearts grow weary. Real service doesn’t start with activity. It starts with love. God isn’t measuring performance. He’s looking for a heart that mirrors His.

There are times we serve out of habit, or to be seen, or because we’re afraid to say no. But the kind of service that pleases the Lord is rooted in relationship. Our relationship with Him. When our love for God is fresh, service becomes joyful. We’re not striving to earn something; we’re simply responding to the grace we’ve already received. The apostle Paul wrote,

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24).

God doesn’t require perfection. He asks for willingness. That means we can show up with tired hands and a faithful heart. When our motivation is love, even the smallest acts carry eternal weight. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God, and the second is like it, to love others. Our service becomes the outworking of that love.

Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s not something that we celebrate once a year. The type of love that we are referring to here is expressed in action. It is seen in how we show up, how we speak, and how we carry each other’s burdens. John reminds us,

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

When this type of love is present, people notice. They may not understand it right away, but they’ll see something different. And it points them to Jesus.

Ask the Lord to examine your heart today. Not to discourage you or point out your shortcomings, but to renew your joy. Let Him remind you why you serve, and who you're really serving. He sees every hidden act and every faithful offering. Let your love for Him lead you to serve with gladness.

GUIDED PRAYER:

Lord, I want to serve from the right place. Search my heart and renew it in Your love. Let my actions flow from a quiet joy and a deep trust in You. Keep me close and keep me faithful, even in the small things.

Amen.