Service with a Smile

We, as children of God must remember our place serving with humility. Luke reminds us of the is in 17:7-10 where he writes, “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

Today’s society, especially our younger brethren and sisters, seeks recognition for everything. Unfortunately, that is not how we are to operate. In this parable, Jesus points out that the master does not lavish praise on the servant for doing his duty. Nor are we to expect God to lavish us with glory and gifts because we do our duty and service to him. God does not need us to serve Him. He is self-sustaining. He does not require us to build his church or need us to further his word.

From a broader biblical perspective, God does not need us but is pleased to use us in his service. God will also commend us even though we only do our due Christian service to Him. But we should also remember not to look at our rewards as things we have earned or are owed. John Calvin wrote, “A reward is promised, not as a debt, but from the mere good pleasure of God. It is a great mistake to suppose that there is a mutual relation between reward, and merit; for it is by his own undeserved favor, and not by the value of our works, that God is induced to reward them.”

Serve God with joy and humility. Your rewards are not earthly, but they do await you in a more pleasing place, with God in heaven.

Mercy and Grace!