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The Parable of the Unworthy Servant
Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, "Come along now and sit down to eat?" Would he not rather say, "Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink?" Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are unworthy servants; we have done only our duty." -- Luke 17:7-10
We need to have a correct view of God's claims upon us, as well as the spirit in which we should meet these claims. Through an overabundance of pride, we can err in our duty, either out of ignorance or due to our manner in which we performed it. God doesn't require meritorious service from us in order for us to be accepted by him, but he does require the obedient homage of all who are accepted of him. The sacrifice of Christ alone is the basis for our acceptance, the evidence of it, and the fruits of practical godliness.
The nature of the service that God requires of us
- Doing the master's work
- God requires that we do his bidding
- As revealed in his word
- According to our abilities
- Obedience of love
- Love, not fear
- Affection, not servile
- Spiritual
- Whole
- Respect for all his commandments
- Obeying all of his will
- Consistent
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