The question mentioned above could be applied to any situation where half-hearted service is rendered. In the market place, lukewarm performances go unrewarded. It is especially disturbing when Disciples of Christ offer lack-luster service to God. If there is one place where man must bring his whole heart to forefront, it is in loving and obeying God. Jesus pointed out the necessity of putting God first in all things, when He instructed His disciples to “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). An every-other-day commitment to His cause will never be approved by God.
Why would one offer lip-service to God? Perhaps it is brought about by a lack of study and application of His word. Could this mindset be brought on by the allurement of the world and its things? The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Roman brethren, set forth the level of quality service Disciples of Christ are required to render: “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18). Slaves to forever do the bidding of our Lord Jesus. Due to the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16), these brethren had been freed from sin. Now in their new found freedom, they were slaves to a new master. As slaves of righteousness, they now had new and better expectations for daily living calling for them to “…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). This reasonable service is acquired by conditioning the mind with the word of God, so that the allurements and fascinations of this present world no longer have any molding or shaping effect on your heart (Romans 12:2). From the scriptures His disciples learn to offer whole-hearted service to God.
James, in His epistle, pointed out the folly of attempting to live for God in a half-hearted way. For he who prays for guidance from God must “…ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:6-8). A double minded or half-hearted commitment to God will not bring the much sought after eternal benefit of Heaven. Such hot and cold behavior is unacceptable to God.
Jesus, responding to a question concerning the greatest commandment, said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Such love leaves no room for halfhearted behavior toward God and His children.
What about your spiritual service to God? Can He count on you?