"Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." (Philippians 4:17)

A servant's heart . . . what does that have to do with this verse? Everything!

Paul had a servant's heart; he had a heart to minister to the people, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, to see people's lives changed, to witness the miracle of precious, holy fruit growing in the lives of all those who heard his message. Although the need may have been there for Paul to receive a monetary blessing from the people he ministered to, his heart—his servant's heart—so much more desired to see fruit abounding in the lives of these people.

Today, we seem to get caught up in pursuing the "hand" of God rather than the "heart" of God. We want to know how we can be blessed…what is the "button" that triggers God's material blessings. But unfortunately we all too often lose our zeal to pursue the heart of God. Our longing is not after Him alone, it's after what He can do for us.

We serve a holy, magnificent King who has given us all there is to give; He's made provision for us in every area of our lives. He knew us before the foundations of the earth; He knew what we would need to lead a fulfilled life. He did all this by giving us His heart. All we need to do to walk in His abundant blessings is to apprehend the heart of God and cherish it more than silver and gold, more than houses and cars, more than life itself.

Inspect your heart today. Are you seeking after God's "hand" or are you pursuing His "heart"? Paul didn't want anything material gift for his labor of love, He wanted to be sure the people bear fruit, the fruit that grows from a servant's heart turned toward and ever pursuing His Master.

Father, please forgive me when I lose sight of my goal—he desire to apprehend Your heart. Help me to always seek You and acknowledge You in everything. Help me to desire fruit in others' lives as well as my own rather than pursuing material riches and gain. Lord, help me keep my eyes focused on You, desiring You, and pursuing You from a servant's heart . . . a heart always pursuing the Master. Amen and Amen.

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." (John 15:8)

© 2009 Jan Ross
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