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. Luke 17:10
Christian duty is illustrated by a master and servant relationship. The Master (Jesus Christ) is caring and clear in His expectations for His servants (Christians). The Master expects diligence and thoroughness in the tasks at hand. He does not patronize the sincere servant with flowery compliments, but allows the servant to enjoy fulfilling work for the Master’s sake. Honorable service done for our Master Christ is the duty of all His followers. This is fundamental.
Our Lord does not owe us anything for our routine or radical efforts for advancing His Kingdom. Indeed, our life in total is all His grace. Our relationships, our ability to work, our mental reasoning, our feelings of love and hope all spring from the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is our duty to do what Christ commands without complaint or expecting anything in return. Like a good soldier does his duty for God and country, so servants of Jesus are faithful to their charge of love, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost.
Those of us who long for approval struggle when our service is absent of commendations. Yet, this is a test to see if our motivation is for what we get out of obeying God, or for what we can give, by doing our duty in pure gratitude to Him because of our great love and appreciation for what He has done for us in setting us free from the bondage of sin. We become miserable, even angry, if we expect special treatment by the Lord or His people because of our sacrificial service. Yes, unexpected blessings will come back to those who bless, but this is not why we give. Our duty has no claims.
Therefore, our duty needs no more than to diligently follow Christ’s calling. He is our Master and we serve at His direction. He may have you engaged in the tasks of parenthood or the basics of an entry level job. Wherever your Lord has you on assignment, do it with joy. Total submission to Christ is our best option, yes, beloved we must repent of negotiating our own recognition and rewards. Christian duty done by grace glorifies God.
--
Our Lord does not owe us anything for our routine or radical efforts for advancing His Kingdom. Indeed, our life in total is all His grace. Our relationships, our ability to work, our mental reasoning, our feelings of love and hope all spring from the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is our duty to do what Christ commands without complaint or expecting anything in return. Like a good soldier does his duty for God and country, so servants of Jesus are faithful to their charge of love, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost.
Those of us who long for approval struggle when our service is absent of commendations. Yet, this is a test to see if our motivation is for what we get out of obeying God, or for what we can give, by doing our duty in pure gratitude to Him because of our great love and appreciation for what He has done for us in setting us free from the bondage of sin. We become miserable, even angry, if we expect special treatment by the Lord or His people because of our sacrificial service. Yes, unexpected blessings will come back to those who bless, but this is not why we give. Our duty has no claims.
Therefore, our duty needs no more than to diligently follow Christ’s calling. He is our Master and we serve at His direction. He may have you engaged in the tasks of parenthood or the basics of an entry level job. Wherever your Lord has you on assignment, do it with joy. Total submission to Christ is our best option, yes, beloved we must repent of negotiating our own recognition and rewards. Christian duty done by grace glorifies God.
--
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 9:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.