“Does he thank the servant because he did what he was commanded?” –Luke 17:9
Well, does he? Our culture seems to think so. We start teaching children the “magic words” as soon as they can form words. Is this our cultures way of wanting gratitude for the work they put into things, or is this just politeness? Most people do things with the intention of receiving a thank you, myself included. Without that form of acknowledgement I feel unworthy and underappreciated. Mankind wants approval. It is engrained in us. We selfishly strive for success and work hard so that we’ll receive gratitude and praise.
Lets bring it back to biblical times. Was it expected for a servant to be thanked for his work? Most likely not because it was his duty to do what he was commanded. He knew his place, did what he was told and was satisfied with that. So, when did this affirmation become vital to us? I don’t know the answer.
What I do know is this, whatever you do, do it for the glory of God, not for yourself.
Application: Today I will ask the Lord to give me opportunities to serve, and if I receive a thank you, I will give glory to God.
