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Nov 17, 2023 18:30pm

Reasonable Service

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At our office we have something called “The Second Mile” award. It’s an opportunity for someone to recognize an employee for going beyond their regular assigned duties. Every time the reward is given, the recipient is humbled, unexpecting and honored.

And all those in attendance celebrate that person. We don’t sit around and think, “I should get an award for my job too”.

Why? Because we are doing our job duties. We are completing that which is expected of us. It is our reasonable service, not something for which we should be awarded.

Luke 17:7-10

“But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

Jesus is teaching the disciples about doing the work of the Father. As His followers, they shouldn’t seek praise or position for a job well done, because they have simply done their duty.

As a follower of Christ, there are some things expected of us. We are to love others, obey God’s commands, share the gospel and make disciples. This is our reasonable service. This is what we have simply been instructed to do.

The Lord wasn’t condemning rewards for service. Jesus was reminding the disciples, and future readers, that if we aren’t careful, we could get caught up in the whirlwind of spiritual pride of doing things for the praise of others. Much like the Pharisees did.

It’s always good to examine ourselves and our motives. Are we serving God because we love Him and want to obey, or are we wanting extra credit for it?

Father, we pray our hearts are sincere. Our life is an opportunity to serve you and share you with others. This is an honor, a privilege and our reasonable service. Forgive us and correct us when we seek the praise of others for our actions. You are worthy of our service, Lord!