What is Better…

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” John 12:26 NKJV

Years ago, as a new person following after God, I had an excellent and godly friend who came alongside me and showed me the true meaning of following God. I thought I knew that already, but as I watched her life, I thought it was one of serving family and friends and serving in the church and God all the time.

As a new Christian, I was okay with attending church, Sunday school, and even praying.  But as she mentored me, I saw my friend demonstrate serving Jesus. I wanted to do that, too, but what did that look like for me?

What does that look like for you today?

“As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him!” Romans 12:11 (ERV)

As I attended church, I was pulled and drawn to help out in the church. I saw my friend serving in ways I thought only those who had walked with God for a long time could do. After all, I just came to know Jesus; what did I know about serving? Watching her, I saw a glimpse and began feeling that draw on my life. Attending church each Sunday wasn’t enough. I wanted and needed to do more for Him. So what is better? Accepting God and following Him routinely, or serving Him and allowing Him to mold and shape me into what He wanted for me (something better)?

The “something better” was okay, but something was missing in me, and I needed to find out what.  As the years passed, God showed me what “better” was. It was Him! It was knowing Him, His ways, and what He wanted for me. He knew “better” was getting closer to Him. Going to church and doing all the “Christian things” is good, but it’s not the better thing. It’s choosing Him and being a part of His ministry in whatever capacity I could.

Raising my son as a single mom and working three jobs, time was in short supply, so I started small, volunteering for different events at church, making friends, and learning from their serving hearts. Gradually, I was able to do more. A few years passed, and sadly, so did my friend, who had cancer. I was there for her when she could no longer “be” better, and I could now stand after all those years of her friendship and mentoring. Now I knew what God and she had so patiently waited for. I had learned how to “be better.” Through my friend, God showed me serving with a joy-filled heart, just as Jesus had done for all He encountered.

Friend, are you waiting to serve Him? Waiting to be better? Nothing is better than a heart filled with gratitude and love for Jesus. Don’t wait. You are better now!

“Since we have a Kingdom nothing can destroy, let us please God by serving him with thankful hearts and with holy fear and awe” (Hebrews 12:28 TLB ).

Father God, there is nothing better than You. We are better because of You, Lord. Show my sisters that now may be their time to step up and out to serve You. Because of you, we are better. Amen.