PRESCRIBED ORDER

2/9/2026

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son…” (Romans 1:9)

There is a prescribed way to serve God, and as believers, we must be conscious of this truth. For many, this may come as a surprise, because service has often been approached with the mindset of, “As long as I tried,” or “At least I did something.” But God is not impressed by effort alone—He is honored by obedience. Cain’s offering was rejected, not because he gave, but because he failed to follow God’s prescribed order (Genesis 4:5–7). Service that ignores God’s instruction is unacceptable, no matter how sincere it appears.

The issue is never what we do for God, but how we do it. Did we follow His instruction? Did we serve with the right heart and attitude? Jesus made this clear when He said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). True service flows from the spirit, not the flesh. Our spirit—being one with God—is the proper source of acceptable service (1 Corinthians 6:17).

Many believers become frustrated in service because they rely on human strength rather than grace. Scripture reminds us that no one prevails by strength alone (1 Samuel 2:9). Paul revealed the secret to consistent, fruitful service when he said, “I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son” (Romans 1:9). He understood that the flesh has nothing profitable to offer God.

Serving with your spirit simply means doing God’s Word according to His instruction. Consider the tithe: God specifically instructed that the whole tithe be brought into the storehouse (Malachi 3:10). While helping the poor or assisting family members is good and necessary, it does not replace obedience to God’s prescribed order. The blessing is always attached to obedience. Moses learned this in Numbers 20 when, out of frustration, he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as instructed. Water still came, but Moses missed God’s best because he departed from divine order.

Frustration in service comes when grace is ignored. Paul exhorted Timothy, “Be strong and empowered in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1 AMP). Grace is God’s enablement for every assignment. When we rely on grace rather than flesh, service becomes fruitful, joyful, and sustainable.

So whether in ministry, work, home, or daily life—serve God according to His Word. Anchor yourself in grace, not effort. Obedience releases power.

God bless you.

Faith-Filled Confession:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I rely on grace, not the flesh. I serve God according to His Word and by the power of His Spirit. I take full advantage of grace in every area of my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.