In the beautiful story of Jacob and Rachel, we find a powerful example of love-driven labor.
Jacob’s willingness to work for seven years to win Rachel’s hand in marriage.“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.” Genesis 29:20
His commitment didn’t wane even when he ended up working fourteen years. His labor was lightened by the deep love he held for Rachel.
This story sets a contrast to our daily experiences. Often, our regular jobs may not be motivated by love, hence they feel tedious and burdensome. In contrast, think of how parents tirelessly serve their children for years, driven purely by love. This love makes even the hardest tasks feel lighter.
However, in serving the Lord, Christians sometimes face the challenge of burnout, which is different from mere tiredness. Burnout in spiritual service often stems from shifting focus from Christ to human perspectives. This shift can drain the joy and passion from service,
turning what should be a labor of love into a wearying chore.
Jesus emphasized the importance of love in service when He declared the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-39: to love God and to love others. This wasn’t arbitrary; God understands our need to serve out of love.
1 John 3:18 reinforces this by urging us to love not just in words, but in actions and truth. This is crucial because without love as our motive, our commitment dwindles, and we risk quitting.
To serve the Lord with unending zeal and avoid burnout, it’s essential to examine our motives.
Are we serving due to obligation, social expectations, or a desire for approval? These motivations are fleeting and fragile. But when our service is rooted in genuine love for the Lord, even years of labor can feel as days, much like Jacob’s loving service for Rachel.
This love-infused service becomes our strength, our joy, and the very essence of our spiritual journey.
