Luke 17:7-10 - Humble in obedience
Scripture:
Luke 17:7-10
7 "Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, "Come immediately and sit down to eat'?
8 "But will he not say to him, "Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink'?
9 "He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he?
10 "So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, "We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'"
NASU
Thoughts:
Jesus is teaching us how to rightly think of our service to God. He shows us the fact that we are God's servants simply doing what He commands us to do (verse 10).
When we consider our service in this way, the question becomes, where is pride in our obedience? This right perspective leaves no room for pride. If all we do is what we're told -- which is the only way we can be obedient -- then there's no pride over our "accomplishments."
This is especially true when we realize that it is the Lord who has given us the ability to do the work. He made us with the natural abilities and energy level that we have. And He has also gifted us with the spiritual gifts that we have, with which we are intended to minister, and empowers us to do the work with the enabling of His Spirit. Clearly we are not merely doing what we're told, but we're also doing it by His ability! As is often said, He is simply working through us.
A tool receives no glory for its work, because we recognize it's the skill of the craftsman that accomplishes it. Likewise, the Christian, as an instrument of God's, does not deserve the glory, only God does.
Prayer:
Lord, keep me from pride in the times that You use me in ministry, whether in a formal position or informally. The enemy is so cunning to attack us here, where so often our guard is down. Let me live in this right understanding of obedience to You.
Amen
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