So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’” vs. 10
Luke 17:7-10
Most people love affirmation and appreciate thanksgiving for the work that they have done, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. Many times, followers of Jesus discover that there’s not much reward in their labors of love. They give themselves heart and soul to a good cause and no one even seems to notice. They spend an evening working in the church kitchen preparing food and washing dishes, and when it’s their turn to eat, all the good stuff is gone. It’s not unusual for the faithful to feel used and put upon–and Jesus tells us, “So what?” His answer is startling and is not meant to excuse ingratitude. Thanks is a good thing and will always be appreciated. But it’s not necessary for disciples! We’re called to practice humility in every aspect of our lives, and as slaves of Jesus we’re not in the business of piling up rewards for our good deeds. We’ll be ignored, put upon, neglected, and insulted–and that’s all okay. We’re doing the dirty work that we’ve been asked to do and when we’re done, all the satisfaction we need is to know that we’ve done what we ought to have done. Some days there’s absolutely no glory at all in doing the Lord’s work, and that’s just the way it is!
Thought for the Day: How do I handle being unappreciated?
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