Kingdom Duty: Giving Our Best to God

In a world that often celebrates mediocrity and minimal effort, we are called to a higher standard - a standard of excellence in our service to God. This isn't about perfection, but about giving our very best in everything we do, recognizing that our actions are ultimately for the King of Kings.

The concept of "duty" might seem outdated in our modern society, but it's a powerful reminder of our responsibilities as followers of Christ. Just as the founding fathers of America felt a sense of duty to secure freedom for future generations, we too have a kingdom duty - a holy responsibility to not only live for Jesus Christ but to serve faithfully and answer the call God has placed on our lives.

Luke 17:5-10 paints a vivid picture of this duty. When the apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith, He responded with a parable about a servant doing his duty. The master doesn't thank the servant for simply doing what was expected. Similarly, Jesus tells us, "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" This passage challenges us to go beyond the bare minimum in our spiritual lives.

But what does it mean to truly give our best? It's not about comparing ourselves to others or achieving worldly success. Instead, it's about giving more of ourselves to God and His kingdom. In Mark 12:41-44, we find the story of the widow's mite. Jesus, sitting near the temple treasury, observed people making their offerings. While many rich people gave large sums, a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins. Jesus declared that she had given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, offering all she had to live on.

This story illustrates a crucial point: God is more concerned with the heart behind our giving than the amount itself. He looks at our motivation and the sacrifice involved. Are we giving out of our abundance, or are we truly sacrificing for the kingdom?

Our society often rewards mediocrity, and sadly, this mentality can seep into our spiritual lives. We might be content with just showing up to church, raising our hands during worship, or throwing a few dollars in the offering plate. But God is calling us to more. He's calling us to embrace our kingdom purpose with passion and commitment.

Consider the story from 2 Kings 13, where the prophet Elisha is on his deathbed. King Joash of Israel comes to him, seeking guidance as the nation faces threats from Syria. Elisha instructs the king to take a bow and arrows, and to strike the ground. The king strikes the ground three times and stops. Elisha becomes angry, saying that if the king had struck five or six times, he would have completely destroyed Syria. Instead, he would only defeat them three times.

This account serves as a powerful metaphor for half-hearted devotion. How often do we settle for doing just enough in our spiritual lives? God is looking for people who will go all-in, who will "strike the ground" until their arrows break, metaphorically speaking. He's seeking those who are truly passionate about His kingdom and willing to give their absolute best.

It's easy to make excuses or to convince ourselves that we're doing enough. But if we're honest, many of us know deep down that we're capable of more. We have gifts, talents, and callings that we're not fully utilizing for God's glory. Perhaps it's time for some of us to embrace our role as intercessors, teachers, or leaders in the church. Maybe others need to recommit to giving their best in their workplaces, families, or communities as a testament to their faith.

The truth is, our best efforts pale in comparison to what Christ did for us on the cross. He didn't give a half-hearted effort at Calvary. He gave His all. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus aligning His will with the Father's, even though it meant unimaginable suffering. This is our example - complete surrender and wholehearted devotion.

We must remember that our worth isn't determined by our accomplishments or how much we do for God. Our salvation is secure in Christ alone. However, if we truly understand the magnitude of what He's done for us, how can we not want to give Him our very best in return?

It's time for a spiritual awakening in the church. We need to shake off complacency and mediocrity. We need to stop being content with just feeling God's presence and start asking Him what He wants us to do with our lives. There's a generation depending on us to rise up and fulfill our kingdom duty.

This call to excellence isn't about striving in our own strength. It's about allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us, empowering us to live lives that truly make a difference for God's kingdom. When we stumble or fall short - and we all do - we can find forgiveness and strength to get back up and continue pursuing our calling.

As we reflect on these truths, let's ask ourselves some hard questions:

1. Am I truly giving my best in every area of my life - as a spouse, parent, employee, church member, and follower of Christ?
2. What gifts or callings have I neglected that God may be prompting me to embrace?
3. Am I content with just "getting by" spiritually, or am I hungry for more of God and His purposes for my life?
4. How can I cultivate a greater sense of kingdom duty in my daily walk with Christ?

May we be stirred to give our all for the One who gave His all for us. Let's not settle for less than God's best in our lives. As we embrace our kingdom duty with renewed passion and commitment, we'll discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from living wholeheartedly for Christ.

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:

1. Luke 17:5-10
2. Mark 12:43-44
3. Matthew 11:12
4. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
5. Micah 7:8 (alluded to with "Rejoice not against me, O man of me. When I fall, I shall arise.")
6. Mark 12:41-44 (repeated from earlier)
7. 2 Kings 13:14-19

Additionally, some themes discussed without specific references, along with relevant verses:

• On doing everything for God's glory:
  • Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are 
• On God's forgiveness and cleansing:
  • 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
• On God's plans for our lives:
  • Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
• On the importance of intercessory prayer:
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people."
• On giving our best to God:
  • Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."