At Your Service- Week 1
Understanding Your Divine Purpose: The Sacred Work of Serving God
Have you ever felt that you were created for something more? Beyond promotions, acceptance, marriage, or retirement, there’s a deeper question that has existed since the beginning of time: Why are you here? What is your true purpose?
What Does the Bible Say About Our Purpose?
In Genesis 2, we see God creating man and placing him in the Garden of Eden with a specific purpose – to “avad.” This Hebrew word means to work, serve, and worship. The garden wasn’t just a place to exist comfortably; it was a dwelling place where God and man could be in perfect union.
What is Avad and Why is it Important?
Avad is more than just clocking in at work. It’s about:
- Breathing in worship
- Serving others purposefully
- Walking in step with our Creator
Everyone will find something to avad – something to give their life, work, and worship to. The critical question is: what will that be?
How Can Avad Be Both Beautiful and Painful?
The direction avad takes depends entirely on who or what you serve. When serving God, avad becomes beautiful and fulfilling. However, when serving other “masters” (like the Israelites serving Pharaoh), it becomes brutal and backbreaking.
What Does Modern-Day Avad Look Like?
Sacred work (avad) manifests in many ways:
- Doing your job with integrity
- Teaching with kindness
- Maintaining difficult friendships
- Showing up for your children
- Helping others in need
- Offering wisdom and counsel
- Praying for others
How Do We Choose Who to Serve?
Just as Joshua challenged the Israelites to “choose this day whom you will serve,” we face the same choice. Modern-day “pharaohs” might include:
- Career success
- Self-image
- Addictions
- Technology
- Material possessions
- The need for acceptance
Life Application
This week, examine your life and ask yourself:
- Who or what am I truly serving with my time, energy, and resources?
- Are my daily actions aligned with serving God or serving other “masters”?
- What one change can I make this week to better serve God in my everyday life?
Challenge: Choose one area of your life where you can intentionally practice “avad” – serving God through your actions. This could be at work, in your relationships, or through acts of service to others. Remember, avad isn’t about perfection; it’s about aligning your life with God’s purpose for you.