ARE YOU DOING FOR GOD OR BEING WITH GOD? FELLOWSHIP OVER SERVICE

 

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Imagine a church that worked tirelessly for Jesus' name—hating evil, enduring suffering, and faithfully serving. Yet, their love for Him had diminished over time. It wasn’t that they stopped loving Him, but it wasn’t the same as it once was.

Isn't it scary? A church that gave their all away for Jesus' sake but then what disqualified them is that they were far from their first love for God. 

This reflects the warning Jesus gave to the church in Ephesus:

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." – Revelation 2:4-5

Could this reflect our own lives sometimes? We go through the motions, doing things out of responsibility rather than love. It’s easy to get caught up in the work and forget why we started.

The Heart of the Matter: Fellowship

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What was the symbol of their first love? 
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit

It’s not just about the work we do for God but the intent behind it. Are we spending significant time in His presence, or are we just “getting things done”?

God doesn’t desire mechanical service; He longs for deep fellowship. It’s this fellowship that nurtures our love and fuels our work. Without it, service becomes a burden instead of an overflow of love.

Lessons from Mary and Martha

The story of Mary and Martha provides a vivid contrast. Martha was busy preparing a meal for Jesus—doing good work, no doubt. Yet Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, soaking in His presence.

Jesus esteemed Mary’s choice and gently invited Martha to do the same:

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." – Luke 10:41-42

This story reminds us that fellowship with God matters more than service. Our service is most meaningful when it flows from time spent in His presence.


Fellowship First: The Life of Jesus

Even Jesus demonstrated this principle. He spent the majority of His years on Earth in fellowship with the Father( getting to know the Father more intimately, receiving knowledge of the will of the Father for His life, and how to carry it out) and only three years in active ministry.

Even in His years of active ministry, Jesus frequently withdrew to spend time with the Father:

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." – Luke 5:16

What does this tell us? Fellowship with God forms the foundation of everything. From a place of love and communion with Him, we can serve with joy and give our all.

Serving in God's house without fellowship with him is a sin that God really frowns upon. It's so serious that Jesus said he was going to remove the lamp stand of the church of Ephesus if they did not repent. It's something to really consider. It's like serving God with your heart away from him. 

For I desire and delight in dutiful steadfast love and goodness, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of and acquaintance with God more than burnt offering. Hosea 6:6 AMPC

How to Build Fellowship with God

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Fellowship is about friendship, connection, and intimacy. It’s built on:

Time – The more time you spend with someone, the stronger the relationship.

Vulnerability – Letting down your guard and being real.

To grow your fellowship with God:

  • Spend time in prayer, worship, and meditation.

       "Come near to God and He will come           near to you." – James 4:8

  • Adore Him, listen, and share your heart honestly.

       "Cast all your anxiety on Him because             He cares for you." – 1 Peter 5:7

  • Be intentional about creating space for His presence in your daily life.

        "Be still, and know that I am God." –                 Psalm 46:10

A Life Transformed by Fellowship

When we prioritize fellowship over service, something beautiful happens. We no longer feel cajoled into doing things for God. Instead, our actions spring from a place of love and joy.

God wants us to live out of an overflowing relationship with Him:

From this place, we’ll naturally align with His will and purpose.

A Call to Reflection

If you feel like your love for God has grown cold or you’re stuck in a cycle of “doing,” take a step back. Reflect on your relationship with Him. Remember, God doesn’t need your service—He desires your heart. Let your first love be rekindled by prioritizing time in His presence.

What would it look like if, today, you chose to sit at His feet, just as Mary did? Imagine the peace, joy, and renewed purpose that would flow from that connection.

Have you ever experienced a season where you felt distant from God? How did you find your way back to Him? Or, what steps do you take to prioritize fellowship over service in your life?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share them in the comments below! Let’s encourage one another as we grow in our journey of faith.

Take the first step—sit, rest, and let His love reignite your soul.

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