Most people know Malachi is the prophet who told us how important tithing is, but he also has something equally important to say about serving! Let’s read Malachi 3.17 and 18 in the New Living Translation:
17 “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. 18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
Malachi is very clear here: there is a difference between those who serve God and those who do not serve God. Over a period of time, that difference becomes obvious. God sees it first, then spiritual leaders see it, then the whole church sees it.
The people who tidy up after church, who arrive early to help set up, who usher, who drive others around, open their houses, all of it… Those people develop a character, a sweetness, a kindness to them. Those people who don’t serve, turn up late for church week after week, are not on a rota, those people over time develop a coldness, an indifference, an arrogance about them.
Jesus told us a story about a man with two sons. One son went out and served his father, helping him bring in the harvest, and the other son didn’t bother. You have a choice every day, especially when church services are on. You can choose what side of the line you are on. You can grab a broom and sweep the floor, you could arrive at 8.30am and learn how to use the sound equipment, you could usher, help with teas, you could offer someone who you don’t know that well a lift to church, if your pastor has two churches in two different towns you could offer to drive him. Doing that will put you on the right side of the line, and in a few weeks, months, years, you will be on the serving side. You will find listening to the Word easier. You will be more prosperous. You will have a softer heart. You will appreciate church more. You will be a better Christian.
Isaiah 65 says this:
But because the rest of you have forsaken the Lord and have forgotten his Temple,and because you have prepared feasts to honor the god of Fate and have offered mixed wine to the god of Destiny,12 now I will ‘destine’ you for the sword. All of you will bow down before the executioner.For when I called, you did not answer. When I spoke, you did not listen.You deliberately sinned—before my very eyes— and chose to do what you know I despise.”13 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says:“My servants will eat, but you will starve.My servants will drink, but you will be thirsty.My servants will rejoice, but you will be sad and ashamed.14 My servants will sing for joy, but you will cry in sorrow and despair.
I don’t know about you, but it sounds to me that it is better being a servant. And when you serve, don’t just do what you want. If you are going to serve in the sound, be humble, learn how to use the equipment, learn how to treat it with respect. If you are tidying up after church, find out where things go. If you are serving as an usher or in children’s ministry because you are too immature to appreciate listening to the Word, serve in a place which means you are always in the service and sort that out.
The prodigal son was starving to death while those serving in His Father’s house had more than enough to eat. This is not just a pastor saying serve to get more people helping, but because I love you all and desire fruit to your account. #Selah.
Tree of Life Blog 
I thank you very much pastor Ben!
Those who hear this words will be very blessed.
Jesus said: If you want to be first, have to service to the others.
Once again thank you!