Willing Service Required

Jehovah wants willing, wholehearted service. He never forces us to do his will.  It is Satan who will stop at nothing to pressure or entice people into doing his will. In connection with serving God, the Bible does speak of obligation, commandments, requirements, statutes and so forth. (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Luke 1:6) Yet, our prime motive for serving God is that we love him. -Exodus 35:21; Deuteronomy 11:1. 

Regardless of how much Paul spent himself in God's service, he knew that this would mean nothing at all "if he did not have love.' (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) When Bible writers refer to Christians as slaves of God, they are not referring to abject servitude based on coercion.  (Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:24) What is meant by is willing subjection based on deep heartfelt love for God and his Son, Jesus Christ. -Matthew 22:37; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 4:10, 11.

Our service to God must also reflect a deep love for people.  "We became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children," wrote Paul to the congregation in Thessalonica.  (1 Thessalonians 2:7)  In many lands today, mothers have a legal obligation to care for their children. But surely most mothers do not do this just to obey the law, do they?  No.  They do it because they cherish their children. Why, a nursing mother gladly makes huge sacrifices  for her children!  Because Paul had similar "tender affection for those he ministered to, he was "well pleased" ("willing," King James Version; "delighted,"  New International Version) to use his very  life in helping them. (1 Thessalonians 2:8) Love motivates us to copy Paul's example. -Matthew 22:39. 

Next time:What About Reluctant Service?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000