Do you want to get excited about serving God?
Why do I ask?
We just finished a study on hungering and thirsting for righteousness, but sometimes we approach this with the wrong mindset.
We begin to see it as an obligation—something we have to do. Like a child that “has to” do his chores, we treat it like it is an imposition on us, designed to take away our fun.
Like the scribes and Pharisees in Jesus’ day, we can start thinking Christianity is just a list of rules.
“I have to stop doing this…”
“I can’t do that anymore…”
“I have to give up my favorite sin…”
“Now I have to do this…”
“I have to give…”
“I have to go to church…”
You can fill in the blank with anything you view as something you must do as a Christian.
These appear to be two different things, but they lead to the same thing – a heavy burden. But in Matthew 11:30, Jesus told us that His burden is light.
Video Version of This Study
This is the video presentation of the lesson below, formatted for teaching on YouTube. The written study continues underneath for those who prefer to read or study at their own pace.
Now Scripture does tell us that we must become righteous. That part is true. But many times, we approach it with the wrong attitude.
You see … God chose you.
Scripture says, Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and He gave you the opportunity to be respond and be saved—something many never receive.
We are a chosen generation, and a royal priesthood.
So instead of saying, “I have to…”
What if we began to say:
“I GET TO.”
I get to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
I get to serve and honor Him with my life.
I get to walk in a way that pleases Him.
And here’s the key—
We are not doing this in our own strength. Scripture says He has given us everything we need for godliness.
That means we don’t have to strive and struggle alone.
We go to Him… and receive the strength.
Scripture says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, and this is exactly what was meant. No matter what our circumstances, no matter where we are in our spiritual growth, it is Christ who empowers us.
When you begin to see this as an opportunity—
one that not everyone is given—your mindset changes.
You begin to want to do what He asks.
You become excited that the God who created the universe sees you… and chose you. And now you can do what Psalm 100:2 says,
to serve the Lord with gladness.
Now… righteousness is no longer a burden.
Mere religion is heavy.
It is a weight no one can carry.
But Christ’s burden is light.
So let’s stop saying, “I have to…”
…and start saying:
“I GET TO.”
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This study was originally written and published on a previous blog of mine. It has been revised and expanded, republished here as part of The Bible Stop teaching series.
