Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
(Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)
The Pharisees were the religious leaders in Jesus’ day. They were notorious for outward acts to impress others, yet their hearts were far from God. Jesus admonished them and accused them of being like white-washed tombs – beautiful outside but full of dead men’s bones. The Pharisees were motivated by man’s praise, not God’s approval. Jesus called them hypocrites. (see Matthew 23:25-28).
When we examine our motives for serving others, what is revealed to us? Do we serve others to feel good about ourselves or to have others think more highly of us? Are we called by “duty” or obligation? Do we secretly want to be admired for our generosity? Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He didn’t have a hidden agenda. His motives were pure. Love alone compelled Him to lay down His life for us. When we serve with the same attitude, we demonstrate what true love looks like to a watching world. Serve others in the name of Jesus.