Dedication and devotion, it’s what your Father in heaven expects of you, and it is what you promised Him.
Your employer expects the same from you, he does not expect you to love your field of work, although that is a benefit to him, but he does expect dedication to the task you were employed for and trained on, your devotion to your work is beneficial to who you toil for.
The Almighty gains absolutely nothing by your dedication, your devotion, your self-sacrifice, your love for Him, or even your love for that which He has placed before you to accomplish, He is immutable, unchanging, not one of what we call His character traits will be increased or decreased by even your most valiant, heart-felt efforts to please Him.
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
The Most High gives, we receive.
This is the foundation of love, deeds done, words spoken, actions taken for His glory solely out of a sincere heart of love expecting nothing in return, and although we will receive more in the next life, and throughout all eternity than we could ever possibly imagine, that is not the reason we toil, suffer and continuously seek His face. It is because we love Him who first loved us, who gave Himself for us, who died that we might live.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
I will use an analogy here, you spend much time and effort searching for just the right present for one you love, anticipating their excitement when they open it, yet when they do so, that exuberance is not there. It is appreciated, but not with that great excitement that you were expecting. Do you love that person less? Do you wish that they would have at least pretended to be overly thrilled with your gift?
“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)
The Lord expects us to love Him, what do you expect from Him in return for that love you offer? Are the crowns, your treasures in heaven, pleasures forevermore, eternal life, saved from His eternal wrath, all those items that you will receive in the future, are they what you base your obedience upon, are those things the reason you love Him?
Are the promises, all guaranteed to be fulfilled in the future, and throughout all of time, the reason you obey, the reason you have offered your dedication and devotion to Him who reigns eternally?
The subject matter given here is a sharp razors edge topic, love is not just an emotional state, but an action, and if love is not returned in kind, it is rarely continuously offered.
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15)
How much here, in this life, do you need the proof, the realization of His enduring love for you, is your life dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ because of the promises, or because you love Him for who He is? Is your love given because of what He did for you on that cross, what He has promised to all that obey Him, or simply because He is?
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)
And our love.
What if you were the one to receive that present mentioned earlier, and it was not pleasing to you? Would you say so, or pretend that it was? Contemplate that question at length.
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:22)
A life of poverty, pain and suffering, never having heard of the promises, but realizing who He is, is that enough for you to continue serving in love today?
