Faith

Pat on the Back?

by Curt Klingeman
05/12/19
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 It’s amusing when people show up for work on time, they want a pat on the back. When they do what is expected, they want a raise and Meritorious Service Award for their efforts. If they work an entire week without calling in “sick,” they feel they deserve more for than that which they agreed to work in the first place. There was a time when people were grateful for what they had, and were glad to show up on time, do their jobs with excellence without expecting anything in return other than their wages due them. Yep, they actually earned their wages, even when the boss wasn’t around. We do of course see this attitude in many of our military personnel who will say, “I’m just doing my duty.” How many war heroes never consider themselves heroes? They too reply, “I was just doing my duty.” Most of them never talk about what they do or have done for God and country. They humbly live their lives. What they did wasn’t for reward, fame or glory. Look, if someone really wants a pat on the back, shouldn’t he or she go above and beyond the call of duty?

   As disciples of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t our motivation be love and glory to God? And yet, how many do things for recognition? Question: do you serve for love or reward? It’s an important question.  Think hard on it. Jesus said something very interesting in relation to service:

   “Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:7-10).

   Jesus freely laid down His life for humanity, knowing full well many would reject Him and the amazing Gift of Righteousness He was extending to all who would receive it. Can you simply serve out of love? Are you serving for a larger mansion, or perhaps another proverbial jewel in your crown? By the way, the 24 elders in Revelation four cast their crowns before the throne and worship Him Who sits on it (see Revelation 4:5-11).

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