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We live in a world where many people refuse to serve God, do not recognise God or His existence and where the appearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as the Messiah is questioned and challenged. For them the freedom to do exactly what they desire without obligation to God or Godly interference is too important (Galatians 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting).” They see and utilise the wonder of the creation, but do not attribute it to the work of God’s Almighty Hand. One can define this as a spirit of selfishness and one that will do and believe almost anything other than God to ensure independence – A rebellious nature. Scripture declares this foolish behaviour. (Psalm 53:1-3 “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one).”
There are also those that serve God reluctantly, with human reservation, half-hearted and no real commitment and unwilling service (we sometimes even find this attitude in the Church). Despite accepting and acknowledging the Triune God, they are noncommittal and show limited dedication or labour in His House and often begin to develop some resentment (bitterness, hatred and dislike). They are often upset that they cannot live life purely according to their own desires and devices and therefore service is often rendered out of pure duty and not necessarily out of love – often thought of as pointless to serve and not recognising the benefits and reward of serving God (Malachi 3:14-15 “Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered).”
It is imperative that we do not judge nor condemn the above described people, but rather pray that they are enlightened and by the Grace of God find their way to Godliness (James 4:12 “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?)”
Fortunately, there are those that willingly serve God, are delighted to do His holy work and are a sweet and pleasant savour (flavour or aroma) of Jesus Christ unto God (2 Corinthians 2:15-17 “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ).”
It is a wonderful gift to have a willing spirit based on deep heartfelt love for God and His Son Jesus Christ (like a mother towards her child – “despite there being a lawful obligation, a mother does this because she loves her children)”. Serving God in this way allows us to develop our spiritual gifts, experience miracles, joy and peace, increase our faith, experience God’s presence in many new ways and above all, it is good for our souls!
For all who serve the Lord, that have tasted the Heavenly gift of God, that are partakers of the Holy Sacraments, there is a stern scriptural warning to remain steadfast in the household of God (Hebrews 6:4-6 “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame).”

Which of these behaviours do we identify ourselves with or do we recognise in those that are close to us? Proximity to those that are willing and are delighted to serve God is utterly important – who do we mix with and how do we spend our time?