I SERVE YOU FAITHFULLY

Luke 17:10b - "We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we are obliged to do".
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You see your maid, talking to someone on the phone.  Well, maybe, for a minute or two, you would allow it.  But not anymore if she's on it for 15 to 30 minutes, and doing it ten times a day, right?

Or, you see your staff watching TV during lunch break, well that is acceptable.  What is not anymore acceptable is when he is there even during working hours.  You might as well terminate him.

It is expected of them, to work.  That is their duty and they are paid to do that.  The master is not there to serve the servant.  The servant is expected to serve the master.

The same goes in our relationship with the Lord.  Most of the time, we always think that we are the master, and God is our slave.  Yes, Jesus said that He came to serve, but that is to be a service to us in terms of making us closer to God, teaching us His will and saving by dying on the cross.

But still, our prayers tend to be "give me" prayers - "Please help my business succeed", "Heal me of my cancer", "Provide food to those experiencing famine", "Work in my boss' heart to give me a raise".

Is this how we really address God to whom we owe our allegiance, life, trust and salvation?

We are His servants - His slaves first.  And we are to serve Him dutifully, without expectation of reward.  But of course, He loved us first and as servants, our prayers should be of servant's prayer.

Prayer of thanksgiving - "Lord, thank you for giving me the wisdom to run my business successfully".

Prayer of trust - "Lord, may I be with You in my suffering, as I fight against my own suffering".

Prayer of commitment - "Lord, give me the strength so I may continue to serve my fellowmen in the best ability I can".

Prayer of total abandon - "Lord, I put my life in Your hands".

+ Let us pray:  Almighty Father, give me a servant's heart.  Teach me to better understand my appropriate role as Your slave, so when You graciously grant me Your friendship, I will truly appreciate the love You give.  Amen +