Life is like a grand buffet and the benefits of serving God are like unlocking VIP access to the best dishes. No one ever serves God by faith in obedience and trust and has any cause to regret.
The Scripture records the many benefits of serving God in our daily lives as believers. In fact, it spills the beans on how serving God isn’t just a Sunday thing but an everyday luxury.
God promises to bless everyone who trusts and believes in Him and commits their ways to Him. He is faithful to keep records of services and good deeds done in His name. Deeds such as kindness to others, a word of comfort to the discouraged, encouragement to the weak, counsel to the defeated, financial support to the needy…
These deeds are an expression of the life of God in a believer and they account as service to God which has benefits and blessings. But you want to bear in mind that it would be a wrong motive to serve God simply because of the benefits and blessings that come with it. That would be like putting the cart before the horse.
You don’t serve God for the blessings and benefits; you serve Him because He is worthy and deserving of your service and worship for everything He is and for all He does for you daily. Then, you can enjoy the blessings of serving God.
So, the mindset and motive are important here. Remember Balaam. You’re to serve God with joy and gladness, but what does it really mean to serve God? We don’t see God, so how do we serve Him?
What Does It Mean To Serve God?
A known teacher of faith, John Piper in an article categorized what it means to serve God into two:
- It means to do what he says in a way that makes him look supremely valuable in Himself.
- It means to submit to him in a way that makes Him look thrilling.
Piper concludes that serving God means submitting to Him not as though He needs anything from us, but us looking unto Him by faith for sustenance and supplies.
Serving God goes beyond mere actions; it’s a heart attitude and a way of life. At its core, serving God means recognizing His authority and aligning our actions, thoughts, and intentions with His divine will. It’s a profound acknowledgment that our lives are not our own, but rather a stewardship entrusted to us by our Creator.
In the Bible, the book of Joshua captures this essence beautifully with the statement, “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, NIV). This verse emphasizes the intentional choice to serve God as a commitment that permeates every aspect of life.
Moreover, serving God is an expression of love and gratitude for the unmerited grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul encourages believers in Romans 12:1 (NIV), saying, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This verse underscores the idea that serving God is not confined to rituals but extends to presenting our whole selves as an offering, living in accordance with His principles out of a heart of gratitude.
Practically, serving God involves acts of kindness, compassion, and obedience to His commands. Jesus exemplified this servant-hearted approach, stating in Mark 10:45 (NIV), “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Following this example, serving God includes putting the needs of others before our own, demonstrating love in action, and spreading the message of hope found in Christ.
Why Should We Serve God?
“You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly, evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’” – Malachi 3:14-15 (NIV)
Isn’t this verse intriguing? So, you wonder, can there be any benefits and blessings in serving God? Well, this is what you can hold on to:
Serving God is not merely a religious duty but a response to the transformative love and grace He has extended to us. In the Bible, Psalm 100:2-3 (NIV) implores us to “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
This verse highlights the intrinsic connection between recognizing God as our Creator and responding with joyful service. Serving God is a way to express gratitude for the incredible gift of life and the shepherd-like care He provides.
Additionally, serving God aligns us with His divine purposes, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) beautifully captures this idea, stating, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
God has uniquely designed each of us for a purpose, and when we actively engage in serving Him, we step into the fulfilling journey He has set before us. It’s a partnership with the Creator of the universe, contributing to the ongoing work of bringing love, hope, and restoration to a broken world.
Ultimately, serving God is an invitation to participate in something far greater than us, a divine narrative woven with threads of purpose, love, and eternal significance.
Now you want to ask, what are the benefits of serving God? There are several benefits of serving God, but we’ve outlined 15 of them to encourage your faith and ignite your devotion to serve Him.
15 Benefits of Serving God
God never calls a believer to serve Him in vain. He promises to reward the faithful who cleave to Him and continue in His service despite the challenges they face, the persecution they suffer, and the oppression they bear for His sake.
The benefits of serving God are inexhaustible, but we’ve outlined these 15 for you:
- Eternal Life
- Spiritual Growth
- Divine Health and Well-being
- Provision and Abundance
- Divine Protection
- Purpose and Direction
- Peace Beyond Understanding
- Joy in Serving Others
- Connection with Other Believers
- Fulfilment in Worship and Prayer
- Transformation of Character
- Building a Godly Legacy
- Overcoming Challenges through Faith
- Divine Wisdom and Guidance
- Unconditional Love and Acceptance
- Eternal Life
Serving God opens the gateway to an extraordinary promise — eternal life. The Bible assures us in John 3:16 (NIV), “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This foundational truth emphasizes that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers gain access to a life that extends beyond the confines of this earthly existence. The concept of eternal life is not just about the quantity of life but the quality, as it is a life in unbroken communion with God.
- Spiritual Growth
When we serve God, we embark on a journey of continuous spiritual growth. Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) encourages us, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Serving God involves deepening our roots in Him, allowing us to grow and flourish spiritually. It’s a dynamic process of learning, evolving, and becoming more like Christ, as outlined in Romans 8:29 (NIV), “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
- Divine Health and Well-being
The act of serving God is intricately linked to divine health and well-being. In Exodus 15:26 (NIV), God declares, “I am the Lord, who heals you.” This assurance is not only about physical healing but extends to our overall well-being — mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. By serving God, we position ourselves under the care of the ultimate Healer.
Psalm 103:2-3 (NIV) reinforces this idea, proclaiming, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” Serving God brings restoration and wholeness, reflecting His desire for us to experience abundant life.
- Provision and Abundance
One of the benefits of serving God is that it opens the floodgates of divine provision and abundance. Philippians 4:19 (NIV) assures us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” God’s provision extends beyond the material to encompass every aspect of our lives.
In Malachi 3:10 (NIV), God challenges us to test Him in the realm of giving and serving, promising that when we bring the whole tithe into His house, He will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
- Divine Protection
There is an assurance of divine protection as one of the benefits of serving God. Psalm 91:11-12 (NIV) declares, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
This powerful imagery illustrates God’s watchful care and protection over His servants. The concept of God as our refuge and fortress is reiterated in Psalm 46:1 (NIV), “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Serving God aligns us with His protective embrace, providing a sense of security and confidence in the face of life’s challenges.
- Purpose and Direction
God unveils a sense of purpose and direction in life when we serve Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) offers timeless wisdom, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Serving God involves a surrender of our plans to His divine guidance. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reinforces this, proclaiming, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Through serving God, we discover that our lives are woven into a greater narrative, contributing to the unfolding of God’s purpose on earth.
- Peace Beyond Understanding
Another benefit of serving God is that it leads to having peace that transcends human understanding. Philippians 4:7 (NIV) beautifully articulates this promise, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This peace is not contingent on external circumstances but is rooted in a trusting relationship with God. Jesus Himself offers a comforting invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Serving God provides a sanctuary of peace, a refuge where our hearts find rest in Him.
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- Joy in Serving Others
The blessing of serving God is intricately connected to finding joy in serving others. Jesus, in Matthew 25:40 (NIV), emphasizes the significance of serving others as an act of serving Him, saying, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
The joy in serving others springs from the selfless love modelled by Christ. Acts 20:35 (NIV) echoes this sentiment, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work, we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
- Connection with Other Believers
You enjoy the benefits of a deep and meaningful connection with like-minded believers when you serve God. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) encourages believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another.
The sense of community among believers is likened to a body in 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV), “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Serving God together strengthens this communal bond, providing support, encouragement, and a shared journey of faith.
- Fulfilment in Worship and Prayer
A profound sense of fulfilment in worship and prayer is another benefit of serving God. Psalm 95:6 (NIV) invites us, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Worship is not just a ritual but an intimate connection with the Creator.
In Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), we’re encouraged, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Serving God through worship and prayer deepens our relationship with Him, bringing fulfilment and peace.
- Transformation of Character
You experience a transformation of character as a benefit when you serve God. Romans 12:2 (NIV) urges believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
As we serve God, our character is molded to reflect the virtues of Christ. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) describes the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Serving God cultivates these qualities in us, fostering a Christ-like character.
- Building a Godly Legacy
Serving God enables us to build a godly legacy. Proverbs 13:22 (NIV) states, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” The impact of a life devoted to God extends beyond the individual, influencing future generations.
Psalm 145:4 (NIV) emphasizes the passing down of faith, declaring, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” Through serving God, we contribute to a legacy of faith, righteousness, and God’s mighty deeds.
- Overcoming Challenges through Faith
Another benefit of serving God is that it empowers individuals to overcome challenges through faith. James 1:2-4 (NIV) encourages believers to consider it pure joy when facing trials because the testing of their faith produces perseverance.
In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV), Paul shares his perspective on challenges, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Serving God provides a foundation of faith that equips believers to navigate challenges with resilience, trust, and the assurance of God’s presence.
- Divine Wisdom and Guidance
God opens the door to divine wisdom and guidance when you serve Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding, and through serving Him, we tap into this divine guidance. James 1:5 (NIV) promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Serving God involves seeking His wisdom, leading to a path illuminated by His guidance.
- Unconditional Love and Acceptance
Serving God is grounded in the experience of unconditional love and acceptance. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) assures believers, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God’s love is unwavering and all-encompassing.
1 John 4:16 (NIV) reinforces this, stating, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and anyone who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them.” When you serve God, He allows us to rest in the embrace of His unconditional love, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Conclusion
You can also enjoy the benefits of serving God when you repent of your harmful human ways, forsake the old life, and accept the gift of grace from God through Christ.
God does not want His righteous and faithful servants to spend their days in regret and sorrow. His promise of addition and multiplication of blessings for His righteous children in the Kingdom is sure.
Each benefit of serving God resonates with the grace, love, and purpose that flow from a genuine connection with the Creator. From the promise of eternal life to the transformative power of divine wisdom, serving God enriches every facet of our existence.
Now, the invitation stands before you. These blessings are not distant echoes but vibrant realities awaiting discovery in your own spiritual journey. Take a moment to ponder, to meditate, and to embrace the promises that serving God brings. Let the joy of selfless service, the warmth of divine connection, and the assurance of unconditional love infuse your daily life.
As you navigate the unique path that God has set before you, may these 15 benefits that come with serving God be the guiding stars, illuminating your journey and drawing you closer to the heart of the One who bestows them generously. May your life resonate with the harmonies of purpose, peace, and everlasting joy. Amen.
About The Author
Michael Olajubu
Michael Olajubu is a poet, author and creative web content developer who believes in God. He is currently the lead content writer at The Truth Media Blog.
loved your script. keep it up. Teach me on how to preach the Minor prophets. I love the books. send me your series on that.
Be blessed!