That’s part of the picture. Micah 6:8 (NKJV), “ what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” You recognized Jesus’ summary of God’s requirements: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)​

This is what God commands mankind to observe.​

Now consider the account of the rich, young ruler: “ ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ So Jesus said to him… ‘You know the commandments…And he answered and said to Him, ‘Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.’ Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me,’ ” Mark 10:17-21.​

A Christian is to deny self-will and to sacrifice natural interests in order to seek the spiritual. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ ” Matthew 16:24. ​

Our self-denial and resulting suffering develops and crystalizes our characters. Even Jesus “learned obedience by the things which He suffered,” Hebrews 5:8. ​

How do we specifically serve God? First, we need to consecrate our lives to do God's will. Romans 12:1-2, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The transformation of our hearts and minds is a life-long work. ​

Additionally, ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, ”James 1:5. Then we use the talents we possess to glorify God in spiritual services. In the parable of the talents, the servant given one talent buried it in the earth – meaning he used his abilities to gain earthly things. His master considered him unfaithful. (See Matthew 25:26-29.) As we obediently use one ability, God will open other opportunities to multiply our services. (See Matthew 25:20-23, 28-29.) ​

God will always open doors to His faithful children who desire to serve Him.