A Willing Heart: The Foundation of Godly Service
A vital characteristic of a life dedicated to God: a willing heart. The scriptures repeatedly emphasize the importance of serving God not out of obligation or compulsion, but with a spirit of eagerness and devotion. We see this beautifully illustrated in Exodus 35, where the people of Israel brought offerings for the construction of the tabernacle. Their generosity was not coerced, but flowed from a "willing heart."
I. Willingness in Service (Exodus 35:4-5, 21-22; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Deuteronomy 10:12; Hebrews 12:28; John 12:26; Colossians 3:24; Galatians 5:13)
The construction of the tabernacle was a monumental task, requiring the combined effort of the entire community. Exodus 35 highlights that the offerings were brought by those "whose heart was stirred" and "whose spirit was willing." True service to God is not a burden, but a privilege. It is an expression of our love and gratitude for His grace.
• 1 Chronicles 28:9: Solomon is exhorted to "serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind." This emphasizes the internal nature of true service. God desires not just our actions, but our hearts.
• Deuteronomy 10:12: Moses asks, "what does the LORD your God require of you, but to… serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul?" This underscores the totality of our commitment.
• Hebrews 12:28: We are called to "serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." This reminds us that our service should be motivated by a deep respect for God's holiness.
• John 12:26: Jesus says, "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me." True service involves following Christ's example of humility and sacrifice.
• Colossians 3:24: We are reminded that "you serve the Lord Christ," emphasizing that our service is ultimately to Him.
• Galatians 5:13: We are called to "through love serve one another," demonstrating that service is also about loving our fellow believers.
II. Willingness in Teaching (2 Timothy 2:2, 24; Matthew 28:19-20; John 6:44-45; Titus 2:3-4; Deuteronomy 6:7-9; Ephesians 6:4)
God calls us not only to serve, but also to share His truth with others. This requires a willingness to teach, to mentor, and to guide.
• 2 Timothy 2:2: Paul instructs Timothy to "commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." This highlights the importance of passing on the faith to future generations.
• Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission commands us to "teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you." This is a call to active discipleship.
• Titus 2:3-4: Older women are called to be "teachers of good things," admonishing younger women. This shows that teaching is a responsibility for all believers.
• Deuteronomy 6:7-9: Parents are instructed to diligently teach their children God's commandments. This highlights the importance of teaching within the family.
III. Willingness in Work (Nehemiah 4:6; Proverbs 31:13; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; John 4:34, 9:4; 1 Corinthians 15:58)
God also calls us to work diligently, both in our secular lives and in His service.
• Nehemiah 4:6: The people "had a mind to work" in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. This shows the power of a united and willing effort.
• Proverbs 31:13: The virtuous woman "willingly works with her hands." This highlights the value of diligent labor.
• Ephesians 4:28: We are called to "labor, working with his hands what is good." This emphasizes the importance of honest work.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58: We are encouraged to be "always abounding in the work of the Lord." This calls us to active participation in God's kingdom.
IV. Willingness in Other Areas of Faith (1 Thessalonians 5:17; John 14:16; Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12; Acts 17:11, 20:32; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:15-16; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:6; 2 Corinthians 8:3-5, 9:7; Romans 6:16-18; Acts 5:29; Hebrews 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)
A willing heart extends to all aspects of our faith:
• Prayer: We should pray "without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Study: We should "search the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11).
• Singing: We should "sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).
• Giving: We should give "willingly with his heart" (Exodus 25:2).
• Obedience: We should "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
- Preaching on Apathy in the Christian life
- Preaching on King Asa: A Model of Righteous Leadership 2 Chronicles 14
- Preaching on Duties as Members of Christ's Church
Conclusion: A Heart Transformed by Grace
A willing heart is not something we can manufacture on our own. It is a gift of God's grace, a fruit of the Holy Spirit working within us. Let us pray that God would cultivate in us a spirit of willingness, a heart eager to serve Him in all that we do. Let us remember that our service, our teaching, our work, our prayer, our study, our singing, our giving, and our obedience, all should flow from a heart that is truly willing to follow our Lord. Amen.
