Words by our Priest-in-Charge:

First and Foremost, do it for love

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15

We do almost everything for a reason. We study because we want to acquire knowledge and skills.  We work because we want to earn a living, or because we want to put to use our skills or ability. We take up a hobby because we want to take care of our emotional well being. The reason behind what we do either motivates us or burdens us. When we do certain because we feel like we have to do it, it eventually drains us and tires us out.

It is the same with serving God in His Kingdom. Why do we involve in Church or serve in the ministry? Is it because we have to? Because no one else I doing the work? All these may be true description of the situation, but they should never be the reason behind our involvement in the ministry. I realize that if we serve because we want to earn God’s approval and love, it is also futile. Because God does not require us to do anything to “win” His love. He does not require us to win Malaysia for Christ before He loves us and approves of us.

The conversation between Jesus and Peter after His resurrection tells us that Jesus has first and foremost, forgiven Peter of his failure before even Peter did anything. Peter did not need to do anything to gain the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Then Jesus asked Peter whether he loves Him – “more than these”. I believe the “more than these” involves everything that Peter longed to receive from Jesus – provision, forgiveness, reinstatement, etc. All these Jesus had freely given to Peter. The question is : above all these, do you love me? Love is an unilateral act and decision. Jesus asked Peter 3 times, “Do you love me?”. Only after Peter has affirmed his love for Jesus each time, Jesus asked him to do something.

Our service to the Lord in the Church and ministry should only be motivated by the love for Jesus – nothing less and nothing more. It must be the only motivation. In fact, if everything that we do is motivated by the love for God and others, it would certainly be a fulfilling experience. We would certainly be at a place in life where God wants us to be in. So, in all things we do, first and foremost, do it for the love of God.