Don’t Think You Are Doing God a Favour

Imagine, if you will, a majestic oak tree standing tall in a vast forest. This tree does not exist to grant favors to the forest, nor does the forest exist for the sake of the tree. Instead, they coexist in a symbiotic relationship; each plays a role, and each benefits from the other. Now, consider our relationship with God. Do we sometimes think that by our acts of worship or service, we are doing Him a favour? Or do we realize that our acts of worship are more for our own spiritual growth and well-being than they are for God?

“For who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” Romans 11:35 (NIV)

1. God's Infinite Abundance and Our Limited Perspective

Scripture: Acts 17:24–25 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”

It’s easy to slip into the mindset that our actions somehow "contribute" to God's glory, as if He is in need. However, God, in His infinite abundance, does not "need" our worship or service. Instead, He desires a relationship with us, and our acts of service deepen that bond.

2. The Parable of the Talents: A Lesson in Stewardship

Scripture: Matthew 25:14–30

In this parable, the servants did not do the master a favour by investing the talents; they did what was expected of them. Likewise, God has given each of us unique talents and abilities, not for our own glorification, but to further His kingdom. When we use our gifts, we are merely fulfilling our God-given duties.

3. Humility in Service

Quote: “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Many biblical figures, like John the Baptist, recognized that their service was not about elevating their own status or doing God a favour. It was about fulfilling God's plan and purpose. Our service is an act of humility, acknowledging God’s sovereign role in our lives.

4. Grace, Not Works

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Our salvation is not something we earned; it is a gift. We can never do enough good deeds to "earn" our place in Heaven. It’s crucial to approach our relationship with God with gratitude, recognizing that we are the beneficiaries of His boundless love and grace.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We humbly come before You, acknowledging that all we have and all we are is because of Your grace. Remind us daily, Lord, that our service to You is not a favour we do for You, but a privilege and a responsibility. Let our hearts remain humble, and our spirits always thankful, recognizing that it is You who has done us the ultimate favour by granting us the gift of salvation. Guide us to serve You with pure motives, seeking only to glorify Your name.

And now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all, today and always.

Amen.