Serving with Purpose: For God’s Glory, Not for Approval
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to serve others. As a Christian, I know we are called to love God and others through acts of service, so I try to serve where I can. However, I’ve realized something important: my sense of reward often depended on the reactions of those I served. At times, my motivation was rooted in seeking approval — wanting others to think well of me. It became clear that I wasn’t always joyful in my service. In those moments, I was seeking affirmation from people rather than focusing on the true purpose of serving.
In Colossians 3:23, Paul instructs, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” The truth is, people often fail to appreciate or thank us — and sometimes, they even complain. So, why do I serve? God has been teaching me that instead of expecting something from people, I can look to Him — the one who always keeps His promises and has already accepted me as His own. Paul reminds us that even when we’re serving others, it’s not to receive their reward but to honor God; our reward for service comes from the Lord.
Serving at Orton Park (OP) in the EPIC tutoring program has been a blessing. Each week of tutoring has been a lesson in patience, grace, and unexpected joy. One of the children I work with, L, barely spoke with me when we first met. I remember how she would put herself down when she lacked confidence in her work. Over time, as we worked through school assignments, practiced multiplication, and shared laughs, she began to open up and became more confident in her abilities. I learned to recognize God in the small moments — the lightbulb that goes off when L finally understands a difficult concept, and the growing trust that developed between us.
There have been moments of doubt when I wondered if I was making any real impact, but God reminds me that it’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. Just showing up, week after week, makes a difference. Looking back, despite the exhaustion, I kept pushing myself to show up every week, and I now see that it was God who gave me strength. By serving for God, I become a better servant to others. I don't need their approval or praise; I am freed to serve them better.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself”