Paul told Timothy, "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions" (1Ti.1:5-7 ESV). Our charge = our mandate. Carnal Christians aim for pleasure of different forms and that is what they essentially live for, assuming that since their place in heaven is sure they might as well enjoy life here. It is also seen among Christian workers – those who think they are serving God – that many are not living with the goal of becoming more and more full of love, guided by a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.
It was true even in Paul's days and more so now that many of those who call themselves servants of God are really only seeking their own (Php.2:20,21). Their real aim is for a bigger position and greater wealth and power.
Let us examine ourselves. Can we not take this upon ourselves as the mandate given to us from God? Not just a mandate, but a great privilege offered to us who were lost in sin and away from the kingdom of God at one time? Of course, we ought to grow up and become able to serve Him and the others (He.5:12). But what is the most important thing we are living for? Is it to be filled with divine love? And to have everything in our life to be pure and undefiled – motives and desires included?
One day when our life here is over and we stand with the Lord on the other side of eternity and we get a clear perspective of relative values, should we put down our heads with regrets for wasting our life seeking earthly pleasures and gain?
Is it asceticism and seclusion from the world that the Lord wants for us? No. He wants us to live in this world with the heart of citizens of heaven (Php.3:20) pining to become more and more like our Lord in our thoughts, words and deeds. Then we will also be light and salt to the world.
It is our heart that is to be different. While we work, eat and sleep like all others in the world, our heart is to be set on the things above (Co.3:2). Protecting ourselves from being evil towards others – harming and hurting them, exploiting them for our benefit, not concerned about how it affects others whatever we do, etc. – and learning to love others and be concerned about their welfare should be a spontaneous attitude on our part. Whatever we do on earth, our ambition is to be pleasing to the Lord (2Co.5:9). That is to be the signature of a disciple of Jesus.
Studying the Bible and serving God in the ways He has called each of us are good and necessary. But even if we become known for the spiritual gifts God has given us, if we miss becoming filled with love for God and His people, we will essentially be nothing (1Co.13:1-3), and all this so-called service will be burnt up (1Co.3:12,13).