Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Esther 4:14 “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed:  and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

God gives us a sense of urgency in our service to Him.  Instead of being complacent and ploddingly methodical, we are to be energized and mindful of the time that expires at every tick of the clock.  We are to redeem the time, press toward the mark, and serve for such a time as this, as is highlighted in these previous posts:

Yet, there is another important Biblical thought about our service to God that is illustrated by a prominent adverb in Colossians 3:23 – HEARTILY.  Not only is our service to be characterized by urgency, but also by a consuming, heartfelt passion.  We are to pour ourselves into our service for Him “with zest and gusto.”  We are to leave it all on the field, recognizing that our every action should be intended to please Him.  We don’t do it so that He will love us, but we do it as an outpouring of our faith-filled love for Him.  

PLEASE PRAY THAT AMERICAN CHRISTIANS WOULD HEARTILY SERVE GOD.  Plenty of people display a lackluster commitment to their religion that is evident in their anemic actions.  Service-minded Christians who desire to make a potent impact for Him must do it heartily as to the Lord.

ADMIN NOTE:  A Merriam-Webster definition of heartily is “with zest or gusto.”