Was our church’s youth service’s first anniversary today, 8 March, and those serving in the service were called up to read the order for dedication.  The part that’s supposed to be read by the pastor struck me quite deeply because other than it being for ministry workers, I thought it reflects our walk and life in God as well. It reads as follows:

Brothers and sisters, let us claim the covenant God has made with his people and accept the yoke of Christ. When we accept the yoke of Christ, we allow Christ to guide all that we do and all that we are, and Christ himself is our only reward. Christ has many ways for us to serve him; some are easy, others are difficult. Some receive applause; others bring only reproach; some we desire to do because of our own interests; others seem unnatural. Sometimes we please Christ and meet our own needs; at other times we cannot please Christ unless we deny ourselves. Yet Christ strengthens us and gives us the power to do all these things. Therefore let us make this covenent with God our own. Let us give ourselves completely to God, trusting in God’s promises and relying on God’s grace.

Been having some problems with work. But the last few sentences struck me as I read, “Sometimes we please Christ and meet our own needs; at other times we cannot please Christ unless we deny ourselves. Yet Christ strengthens us and gives us the power to do all these things.” Have to consider and meditate upon that.