Preparation for service unto the Lord is a not a ritualistic, logistical routine observed out of habit. Instead, it is firstly spiritual, and it involves a believer’s holiness, purity and standing before God.

Purification is preparation unto holiness. Exodus 29:1: “And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them…” The Hebrew word “hallow” is the root word for “holy,” i.e. to set apart. The priests are to be set apart. The washing with water and the donning of the priestly garments by the priests are preparations that showed their holiness, consecration and separation unto the Lord.

Holiness or separation can only come after salvation. Service to the Lord is not like what a club member does because of his club membership. Service to the Lord is what believers do for their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. It is a privilege given and entrusted to God’s people. Service, in whatever capacity, is to be done unto the Lord. And there must be holiness and purity in the believer’s service, and in his life too. Visitors or newcomers to the church may not be born-again. Thus, they are not allowed to serve in any official capacities. Service must not be used to just “give face” to them or to entice them to keep coming to church.

Service must also not to be used by unbelievers to cover up their own unbelief, sinful condition and depravity. Even for believers, we must not use service to cover-up our own sins, our lack of purity and holiness in our walk with God. We must not think that we can “bribe” God with our service. God will not turn a blind eye to our sinful, unholy and impure condition. Sins must be repented of, and offended brothers must be reconciled with, before we can serve our God. Our thoughts, motives, and intentions must also be purified. Our hearts (and our attitudes) must be in a state of holiness. Our methods of service too must be pure.

In the sacrifice of the bullock (a sin offering), only the desirable parts are used, while the undesirable parts are removed and burnt “without the camp” (Exod 29:14). In our service to God, anything in our lives that are displeasing to God must be removed. To surrender all also means we are not to knowingly hold on to things of idolatry, or be under the power of sinful things. To ask for forgiveness, and to be repentant, of sin also include the forsaking and putting away of sin.

In the burnt offering of one of the two rams, when done in God’s way, “it is a sweet savour… unto the LORD” (Exod 29:18). While we do our best in service, it is not to impress others, but to edify others; and it must first and foremost be found acceptable to God. When in sin, we must give up that sin, and serve in holiness and purity. Serve for an audience of One.