Why is serving God important?

Is serving God really necessary? What is the point of shifting our priorities in order to complete tasks that God could do better and faster without us? In 1 Peter 4:10-11, Peter emphasises the importance of serving God: "Each person should use whatever gift he or she has been given to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in all its forms." If anyone speaks, he should do so as if he were speaking God's own words. Anyone who serves should do so with the strength that God provides, so that God may be praised in all things through Jesus Christ. Forever and ever, be glory and power to him, Amen." We have received our gifts from God for two purposes, according to Peter: to serve others and to praise God. It is for Him to receive glory, not for us to receive attention or glory.

When we serve, how does God receive glory? Those who have traded selfishness for selflessness have experienced the transforming power of Jesus Christ. According to Peter, believers should recognise that we are speaking and serving on behalf of God to others while He provides us with the ability and strength to do so. And when we direct our praise to Him rather than accepting it for ourselves, we stand out among those who only praise themselves. People are examining the life-changing nature of a relationship with Jesus Christ because of this difference in our lives. In the eyes of others, it validates our faith.

"Therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercy, I urge you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship," says Romans 12:1-2. Don't follow the world's pattern any longer, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you'll be able to test and approve God's will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect." Paul's point is that honouring Jesus makes sense for those who have been saved by His blood. Our spiritual act of worship is giving ourselves to God (the Greek word for "spiritual" can also be translated as "reasonable"). It's only natural that we should serve the God who has given us the greatest gift of all: salvation from sin and self-centeredness, as well as eternal life in heaven with Him.