While looking for a passage that speaks about serving with gladness, one may find several examples.  Some are positive and some are negative—showing what will happen if God’s children do not serve Him with gladness. Deuteronomy, chapter 28 is one of the more outstanding warnings.

Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee (Deut. 28: 47-48).

The Israelites had a choice—either they could do their duty and serve with joy and thankfulness for the abundance given them, or they could serve as bondmen until they died. In the New Testament women have been given the outstanding position as wife and mother.  Do Christian women serve the Lord with gladness? Are they thankful for the position the Lord has given them?

2 Thessalonians 3:10-15 shows us another way to serve with joy even though some do not choose to. Working for a living should never be a shame. It should be thought of as a privilege which our Father has given us in this life—a way to be valuable.

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother (2 Thess. 3:10-15).

A pitiful fact found in Mark 4:16 speaks about those who are like shallow ground, they first learn the gospel, and receive the word with joy but later fall away. They may think they have nothing more to do after their initial conversion; perhaps they fail to see their conversion and commitment to Christ as a covenant and are not willing to put forth the effort to keep that bond.

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

One of the more encouraging accounts in scripture about serving with joy is found is found in Acts 2:41. Those who had been guilty of murdering Jesus were looking for the hope of salvation. What joy these must have felt as they lived from day to day and shared what they had with each other.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles ‘doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:41).

–Beth Johnson