“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 17:10
The context for this exhortation toward unassuming, obligatory service is Jesus’ command to forgive – even the same person seven times in the same day. Because I am forgiven so much and so often, withholding forgiveness or presuming that my forgiving is a big deal is laughable. When I forgive it’s no great shakes – I’m only fulfilling my most basic obligation as a forgiven sinner.
There is a danger in misapplying this verse however, by thinking that God is pleased with service that flows out from a mere fulfillment of duty.
Truly, I have a duty to obey the Lord’s commands. Satisfying His standards is to be expected. My failure to fulfill His requirements is entirely blameworthy. Fulfilling the obligations of a slave, answering fully to all the master’s orders, is but the fitting response of any servant. But, this does not mean that God is satisfied with my mere fulfillment of duty. Such a disinterested obedience is unbecoming a Christian. I believe this passage speaks to everyone – Christian or not. When a non-Christian rebels, rejecting their status as creatures in God’s universe, they are guilty of derivation of duty. If they should obey a command, they have nothing to boast about since obedience is our humblest duty.
Yet, for the Christian disinterested service is not an option. Meditating on the nature of the master in this parable helps me drive home how mere upholding of duties is offensive to God. I rerun this parable inserting three different masters.
Master one: the scoundrel. There are many masters who gain their position through dishonorable, even deceitful means. And such a master, who has no regard for honor and integrity in his dealings – would be even more contemptuous of his slaves. Nevertheless, the slaves of a scoundrel are still slaves – they’ve been bought and so it is their duty to serve their wicked master. Yet they might do so, fully satisfying their duty, with no internal respect and with little regard for the master himself.
Master two: the honorable master. Now I consider an honorable master, one who gained his wealth by working hard. He treats others with proper regard and provides his servants with appropriate accommodation and fair treatment. Such servants must also perform their duties, it is their obligation. Yet I can imagine such slaves being more wholehearted in their service. They might genuinely respect their master, and even strive to do their jobs with distinction.
Master three: the good master. Consider a very wealthy master who uses his wealth to relive those in distress. His occupation is to feed and clothe widows and orphans. His extensive good works are evident to all in his household. He is renowned for altruism and generosity. He consistently gives himself to meeting the needs others. And this master did not buy his slaves off the market. No, he traveled far and wide to find the sorriest, most mistreated and oppressed slaves – belonging to the harshest, most wicked masters. He purchased them for outrageous terms. Having redeemed them from oppressive masters, at high price, he brings them into his home where they serve him by joining in his occupation of blessing others in distress.
What of the mere duty of these slaves? Yes, they are slaves whose duties are just as obligatory as any other. But could such a slave serve such a master with a dispassionate, disinterested duty? Never!
As a Christian, I must fulfill my duty – and not wait for a prize every time I do. Yet I may never merely fulfill my duty as though that is all that is required. My duties must be fulfilled – but they must be fulfilled like a servant of the good master – who being so good, serving Him can hardly be called service at all. No, more like astounding privilege and honor.
Dear Lord – grant me an enthusiasm for serving you that is fitting for one called to so great a master. Forgive me when my attitude and motivation is so much less than it ought to be for one redeemed, rescued and brought into your great kingdom. Set my eyes on the payment you made – demonstrated on the cross, that I might no longer live for myself but for Him who died for me and rose again – joyfully, happily, and thankfully. Amen.
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