The Obedient Servant
In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’” (Luke 17:10).
The life of a believer can be summed up into three things: what he believes, his obedience and his growth in that direction. Unfortunately, there can be no obedience without convictions. You choose to obey God because you are convinced His word is true. Many times, we don’t pay attention to what we believe. We simply tag along. That isn’t good especially on the day of crisis.
In our text for today, a servant has carried out all that was required of him. He returns to the Master to say, “I have simply done what was allocated to me therefore, I am not expecting to be praised.” Many believers are waiting to be celebrated for simply obeying instructions. They’re convinced God is bound to showcase them for simply obeying. That is not what the Bible teaches. If you have done more than it is required then you should be celebrated. Otherwise, you’re simply obedient to instructions.
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship (1Cor.9.16-17).
As Paul asserted, to do the work of God willingly brings reward but even if you were forced to do it, it is expected that you do it anyway. The underlying truth is that obedience is not negotiable. It is a prove of conviction. How do you measure on the scale of obedience?
©Olusola John.