Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law, who had been suffering from a fever. After being made well, she could have remained in bed to rest. However, her immediate response was to get up and serve those in the house. When Jesus intervenes in our life, the natural response is to worship Him through service.

Whom or what are we worshiping through our service? There’s a marked difference between serving people and organizations and serving God through service to others. Is God at the center of our actions, or are we serving with impure motives?

The intent of this woman’s service was a desire to bless Jesus. Her actions were driven by gratitude for what the Master had done. She was not out to impress, did not feel pressured to do, was not wanting to win approval from others. Her service was genuine, Holy Spirit led and distinguished her as a lover of God ready to respond to God’s goodness. God’s favor was upon her self-sacrificing service.

Let’s consider the places we are serving. And why we are serving. What are our motives? What is our intent? Whom are we really serving? Allow God to speak to our hearts about this.

‘Heavenly Father, show me the reason behind my service in my family, church and community. Forgive me if my motives are misguided. I want you to be at the center of my actions. Show me what is not pleasing to you at this time. Thank you.’