Pastoral Letters

Preparing to Serve God in 2015 – Part 2

November 22, 2014 Author:Pastor Andrew Tan
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. (Mat 25:14-19)

I hope you have all submitted your forms to indicate the ministries you hope to serve in for the coming year 2015. How time flies. In about a month’s time, the year 2014 will be over forever.

The worrisome thing is, the passing of 2014 also means we have a year shorter to live on earth. Our faculties, including our eye sight, hearing ability, memory, or our physical fitness have all deteriorated. We do not know as to how long more we are able to serve God effectively. Even if we wish to do more for our Saviour, our physical fitness may not be up to the task. What makes the situation more urgent, is the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The events that are now happening around the world are signs that may possibly indicate our Lord is soon returning to earth to judge the world and how you have lived your life. Hence, the approaching year 2015 should put us on high alert that time is running out.

This is the scenario painted by the parable in Matt 25:14-30. The master gave to each of his three servants a certain amount of money. The first two worked hard and used every cent to earn more money. They made profit for the master. That is, they put to good use what the master gave them. The third servant was afraid of losing the master’s money and chose not to do anything. Although he did not lose any of his master’s money, neither did he make good use of it in anyway. He did nothing. When the master returned to judge his servants, the first two were rewarded while the last was severely punished.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (Jam 1:17). Hence, when our Lord returns, every Christian will have to give an account of how we used these good things which belong to God and which were given to us. The Lord will ask you, if you have used your life, time, money, abilities, etc., for His glory. If you used them to promote only your own selfish interests and not to serve Him or serve people for His kingdom’s sake, you will not pass this judgement. If you lived self-centred lives, you will be afraid to face God.

If, however, you faithfully serve God by ensuring that you use whatever you possess to lead people to the Lord and to build His people (that is, the church), then, whether people notice you or not, whether others praise you or even misunderstand you, dear child of God, be assured, you will receive eternal praise from your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He knows that you have given Him your best. If Jesus, the all-knowing and holy God examines your motive and quality of your service to him, do you think He will praise you? As the year 2015 approaches, decide to serve Him faithfully , starting today.