We often think of “service” as being “laborious”. It’s hard work. It is something out of our control. Service is taking care of someone else at our expense. 
 
Unfortunately, our sin-filled world has made service and work to be something unpleasant. Those who serve feel resentful and those who are served feel entitled. But that isn’t always the case. Why? It’s in the heart. 
 
We are called by God to love him and love others (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). This love is expressed in service. But this service need not be a burden. 
 
Let’s see what Psalm 100:2-4 says:
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name! (ESV)
 
We can serve the Lord and others with gladness if we keep in mind that God made us, we are his, and he cares for us. We are a treasured possession of God, paid for through the life of Jesus. In fact, Jesus died for all people, so when we serve others with gladness in Jesus’ name, we are serving God.
Serve God and others with gladness!