"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." Luke 17:10
The world today counts many men and women who have devoted themselves to serve God with whatever gifts or talents they possess. To these people, I have great consideration for I know God has great rewards for His workers. Some are yet to decide whether or not to respond to God's calling. But all are called into God service. God calls different people at different time, just as the parable of the hired servants (Matt. 20:1-16), yet all shall receive the same reward. However, Jesus gave the right attitude the servant must have towards the Master (John 13:13). The Servant is never greater than his master; neither is the apostle greater than the one who sent him (John 13:16).
We are all Servants of God (the apostles and minsters are in a special way so), and as servants, we are bond to do all we can to honor Him. Our entire strength, time are to be employed for His service. For we are not our own but God's(Psa. 100:3).
Luke 17:7, 8 reads: "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?"
God has assigned to us variety of works within His holy company. Some "plowing", others "feeding cattle" in all we see that the servants have different talents to be used in different fields. This is what Paul spoke about in 1Cor. 12:4, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." Even after laboring hard during the day, when that servant returns home at night he must wait at the Master's table and serve Him until He is satisfied. Service to God is limitless, in season and out of season (1Tim. 4:2). We must serve God at all time of life; whether day or night, whether good or bad, in time of peace as well as times of adversity. The servant serves the master first, even before he eats or rest. Jesus is very clear: "...serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink" As servant of God, we must make God's work a priority. God must be sastified first before our own satisfaction. It is unfortunate that today most people set their own goals and priorities before God's.
Jesus continued in Luke 17: 9,10: "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."
Christ's servant do not seek merits or appreciation for any service rendered to their Master. Our service to God must be first and foremost selfless and sacrificial not expecting any favor in return. Just as Christ emphasized: "Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him?" Though we are to do all that is commanded us to do, alas! in many ways we come short of this. Yet God uses us to do what we cannot even fathom or imagine. The best servants of Christ even when they render the best of their services must acknowledge that they are "unprofitable servants;" though they are valuable before God's sight and worthy of His love, yet in relation to Christ and his righteousness they consider themselves unworthy of such a priviledge. Paul, even with all he could do to propagate the Gospel of Christ and establish Christian congreagation all over the Greco-Roman empire, a great evangelist he was, counted himself a "wretched man" (Rom. 7:24). Humility is key in God's service. Our uttermost best in God's sight is nothing more a filthy rag. We are unprofitable servants because we are imperfect unrighteous, and it is only God's Spirit that works in us to do God's will. Paul is clear on this when he said vividly: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure," (Phil. 2:13.)
Today, could you say of yourself: "I am an unprofitable servant; it is only by God's grace that have I been called into service." Would you humble yourself for the service of God. Jesus wants to use you for His purpose. Remember your best is never enough when it comes to God's work. God always wants more of our services to Him. May the peace of God abound in your life as you step up in your service to His glory.
