There should be only one purpose in our heart as we enter the new year, and that is to be filled with the desire to serve and please God in all things. That is the only thing that can make the new year meaningful, fruitful and satisfying.

Here in this passage, the psalmist, inspired by the Holy Spirit, emphasises serving the Lord, and how this should be done: “SERVE the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” He reveals that this is how we can serve the Lord acceptably, profitably, righteously and with focus, to please Him in all things and at all times.

The Lord makes believers who “do his pleasure” “a flaming fire.” As saints, we are expected to serve Him and “teach his [people] wisdom.” To serve the Lord and in His church, we must “keep judgment, and… [do] righteousness at all times.” Such is the calling handed children of God by the Lord Himself, and such is the character He desires to see in all who would serve Him acceptably.

Serving the Lord requires attaining specific qualifications. It is not a vocation for just all comers. God looks out for striking features in people that can make the service they render worth receiving. Anyone who would serve Him must possess an appropriate character, lifestyle and behaviour suitable for His service. Indeed, it is only “he that walketh in a perfect way” that “shall serve [God].” Just as our Lord Jesus Christ chose the twelve disciples and sent them forth to preach the gospel, so He has called us into His service.

The Lord has given us a command to “Serve [Him] with gladness [and] …with singing.” Knowledge of His attributes, character, majesty and exaltation should affect our service to Him. We should, therefore, render exceptional service to God without any reservation. Like Christ, we must refuse to bow to the devil. We must “worship the Lord[our]God, and [serve] him only.” Our service to the Lord must be special and beyond any performance that we can give to any organisation in the world.

Ministers and servants of the Lord are expected to possess fitting character traits such as David said: “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way… I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” Although the work of God demands that many people are engaged in it, yet, genuine ministers and children of God must look beyond the physical and innate skills or talents of people, and consider their Christian experiences. Are they living honest and transparent lives? Whether as leaders or members, God expects that our lives must be perfect and exemplary. Character must come before charisma, and good behaviour is to be preferred before great ability.

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” To be fruitful in service, we ought to be “sober [and] of good behaviour.” More so, we must have sound knowledge of the word and grace of God to positively influence other believers, while remaining steadfast in the Lord.

This New Year, we must necessarily shun every tendency to become mercenaries or mercantilist in God’s service, nor should we follow such people who are engaged in God’s service only for what they can gain. Such people are not saved; they are still living in their sins. They do not have the character, consecration and consistency to do the work of God. As a result, they cost the Kingdom of God a great deal when they occupy prominent positions or serve in places of influence. They easily become bad examples. Like Achan, Judas Iscariot and Jeroboam — all men that lost their way in the scriptures — they depart “out of the way [and] caused many to stumble at the law…” The Lord promises to “cut off” all mercenaries because they are unholy and do not possess the character of a called and commissioned minister.

• Further Reading (King James Version): Psalms 100:1,2; 101:6; 102:21,22; 103:20-22; 104:4; 105:17,22,26; 106:3,23,30,31,48. Psalms 100:2,3; 101:6. Psalm 100:2,3; Deuteronomy 10:12,13; Luke 4:8. Psalm 101:2-6; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2; 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Psalm 101:7,8; Malachi 2:8,12; Galatians 5:7-9,12.