Profitable or Unprofitable Servant

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luk 17:10)

This verse defines what level of Christian we are. Luke 17:10 explains it so well, don't you think? Verse 10 says if we do what is commanded of us, we've merely done our duty.

Whoa! We have merely done our duty? That means that once I've been saved, baptized, go to church (yes, even three times a week), go soul winning, read my Bible, pray, study the Word, and pay my tithe I'm merely doing my DUTY? Hmmm ... this is what is expected of us as servants. So what do I do over and above what is expected of me?

I started to think about my job. My job description tells me the tasks I am expected to do. This is what they have agreed to "pay" me for. Anything I do above and beyond those tasks show my employer that I am a "go getter" and an exemplery employee. He will remember that when raise or bonus time comes.

In light of that example, what do we do "extra" for the Lord? Or what do we leave undone in our "expected" duties so that we can do the extras? Do we skip Bible reading for the day so that we can go visit the senior saints? Do we neglect our husband so that we can go hand out tracts? It's never acceptable to do something wrong when you're neglecting the basics of what God has called you to do. I hope that makes sense.

Sometimes we think that it's OK to exchange one for the other, but it isn't. Unless you get your job description down to the point where you can do it with your eyes closed, it is difficult to take on new tasks. Don't neglect one so you can do another. If you do, you are neglecting your duty spoken of in verse 10.

Are you a faithful servant doing his duty for the Lord? Do you go beyond the call of duty? If we don't go beyond the call of duty, verse 10 says we are an unprofitable servant 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Rom 12:1)

Kate Plourde

May 11, 2006