Today Brett’s rescued buddy Trigger joined my usual canine companion Hannah for the daily walk. Actually with Trig the routine is a bit different. He drags me for the first mile and I drag him for the second mile. It is the balance of nature at work. As usual the iPod was cranked up when I took the dogs for a walk. I have over 1700 songs on my iPod. My taste in music is to be kind, eclectic. The less kind would call my blend of music weird.

So it was interesting when a couple of songs came up randomly that hit me right where I am living today. The first was a song called “Gotta Serve Somebody” from Bob Dylan. Dylan lists a number of professions, interests and traits that define how we are labeled by our culture. But then he cuts to the chase and observes that those things are not who we are. We are defined by who or what we serve.

But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Yes indeed, you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well it may be the Devil
Or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody

I have been a follower of Jesus for nearly forty years. I agree with Dylan’s lyrics that you will serve somebody. Who you serve will be reflected in how you spend your time and treasure. Your calendar and checkbook will starkly reveal who you are serving. I had a desire to serve God but also a deep seated fear of what that might look like if I made that commitment. That fear came from a wrong view of God and of His grace that had been reinforced by bad theology and some really bad experiences.

I reflected on how I am beginning to understand what it means to trust Jesus as Lord and not just as my Savior. The next song that popped up was from Chris Rice and the lyrics reflected my journey.

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
And blessed are the hands that keep givin’ but never receive
Blessed is the heart that gets broken but keeps holdin’ on

Holdin’ on for another day
‘Cause that’s what it means…it means holdin’ on for another day
‘Cause that’s what it means to live by faith.

Years spent trying to do enough to prove my service and devotion have been replaced by simple trust and faith. I can already hear the objections from some. “But what about the things that need to get done? Your “faith” won’t change diapers in the nursery and your “trust” won’t set up chairs.” I would have been singing in your choir just a few years ago. I would now argue that understanding who you are in Christ and how much you have been forgiven will cause you serve more, not less. And a better attitude is a lovely side benefit. At least that has been my story.

In Hebrews we read these words: And without faith it is impossible to please God…

He is not pleased by my talent or deeds or striving for righteousness. God is pleased by my simple faith and trust. I can do that! And out of that trust comes my service based on gratitude and joy. So my iPod daily double meditation was simple. I will serve God. And I will live that out by faith.