Listening To The Word - 1 YearSample

Unworthy Servants

Luke 17:7, 9, 10
“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 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.’”

What motivates us in ministry?

For some it is the affirmation and recognition they receive with service. Perhaps their father did not affirm them when they were younger, leaving a wound. The praise of others temporarily fills that hole inside and motivates them to continue serving. Jesus calls disciples in the kingdom, “unworthy servants”, who serve out of duty. In other teachings he calls us to love God and our neighbor. However, his point here is that we must be internally motivated and not externally manipulated. Man’s praise and rewards are fickle. The identity of a servant is that they serve, regardless of the cost.

Father God, I am your servant. May I be found faithful today.