Joy in Serving: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistrySample

My God: No fear Man-made religions find human guilt and fear very useful in getting people’s attention and in getting them to do what the organization wants. Voodoo, for instance, thrives on threats and curses. For another, the (false) teaching of purgatory made even believers dread the day of their death, for then would come countless years of torment to “pay” for their sins. Fear and guilt come from the law, amplified by our consciences. But the gospel of Christ drives out fear. Have you noticed how God’s angel messengers at the dawn of the New Testament age kept saying the same thing to startled and terrified saints--“Don’t be afraid”? When Zechariah finally was allowed to speak, he showed that he got it. Inspired by the Spirit, he uttered marvelous words at the birth of his miracle son: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people . . . to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear” (Luke 1:68,74). The joyful service that you render to your God is not to amass points so that you can qualify for heaven. Or frantically to undo some of your old sins. Or to get him to like you. Remember: No fear. We like to serve him because he likes us.