The reading for Saturday is Luke Chapter 17.
Here is what I heard:
True service is service without need for praise.
Scripture: Luke 17:10
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Observation:
In serving God, remember that you are a servant. Do not expect praise, as you are simply doing your job as asked.
Application:
I do get a lot of joy in the results of some of my service to the Lord. And, of course, I love to hear “thank you,” from those who are impacted by my service.
I need to remember, however, that my service to the Lord is still expected even when I don’t get a worldly thanks or a thanks from Him.
I am a servant and it is my job to serve without an expectation of a thanks. Gulp.
That’s not to say that I still shouldn’t offer encouragement and thanks to those who serve me. I just shouldn’t expect it when I serve or work ‘for’ that thanks. The joy needs to come completely in serving and in doing a job with all my heart, always as if for the Lord. Even when no one says “thanks.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As you know, I love to hear “thanks.” I love to get positive feedback and encouragement when I help, and it is hard for me to continue, sometimes, when I don’t get that “thank you.”
Please forgive me for that.
I do get joy just in helping but, please Lord, show me how to make that satisfaction increase and my reliance on fedback and praise from men diminish.
I want to serve the way you designed me to serve– as a true giving servant. Please guide me in that.
What about you… Do you serve for praise? Or serve because you are asked?
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