“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”” Luke 17:10 ESV
Reflection: have you ever felt entitled from the work you do for the Lord?
This is a difficult subject. Pride.
In the heart of the fall of man, in the center of our sin against God, is the idea of being more than we are. If you think about what the devil used to tempt Eve with, was the idea of being “like God”, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”” Genesis 3:5 ESV. And this very idea continues to plague us, all of mankind, and is perhaps the most difficult temptation.
For the unbeliever, this prevents them to come to God in the first place. Because in the heart of their worship, is themselves. It takes many forms, but always is void of God. Let’s think for just a moment about the climate debate, and how God and what God created is taken out of that equation. The focus is all about how man, in his wisdom, can fix something we didn’t make, and we don’t really understand. If you consider the whole trans-humanism movement, there again is about changing, or as some might say, improving what God created. This includes all sorts of tinkering and engineering our food supplies. For instance, some countries have approved the use of lab grown meat. In its heart, it is all so prideful, so void of God.
But, for us believers, are we much better? We can so easily take a pedestal within the kingdom of God, thinking we are better than others. More worthy of God grace and mercy. That we deserve something from God because we live a more wholesome life, even spend our time serving at church, helping others, etc. And, perhaps the most obvious pride when some promote the idea that, if we give to the kingdom, God will bless us with more. Somehow self have entered into the church body, all over the place. Christians can be very prideful.
In a few verses, Jesus sets his apostles, and therefore us, straight on our position. It goes to the heart of our pride, so it is difficult to hear. But let’s read these few verses. ““Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”” Luke 17:7-10 ESV. Did you see that? He is referring to us as
unworthy servants.
Talk about taking the air out of our pride bubble!! It even sounds demeaning, right? And how can we square this with us as believers being sons and daughters of the kingdom of God? It is perplexing to consider. But, let’s try. Paul wrote to the Galatians “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 ESV. The temptation that enters in for the believer is works. That somehow our good work is of our own doing, and therefore deserves something, certainly more than those who do less good works. Jesus told a parable of the laborers in the vineyard, found in Matthew 20:1-16. They came at different times; yet they got the same pay. The ones who had worked the longest grumbled, to which the owner replied “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’” Matthew 20:15 ESV.
Ok, let’s stop for a moment and think about our own hearts. Ask yourself, in what form do you struggle with pride? If you say it is not an issue for you, that is probably a good starting point. Do we look at our work as good? Do we realize that God doesn’t need us or our “help”. It is only by His grace that He gives us opportunities to serve Him. Bible commentator Barnes wrote “Our best services are mingled with imperfections. We come short of his glory (Romans 3:23); we do not serve him as sincerely, and cheerfully, and faithfully as we ought; we are far, very far from the example set us by the Saviour; and if we are saved and rewarded, it will be because God will be merciful to our unrighteousness, and will remember our iniquities no more, (Hebrews 8:12).”
Perhaps we need a massive reset here, individually, and within the church. To resubmit ourselves, and proclaim only by the works of Jesus. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV. We do not deserve anything in ourselves. That is a lie. But, because of the work Jesus did, and by what God in His mercy has prepared for us to do, have the honor to serve an almighty God with good works, unworthy as we are. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:7-10 ESV