July 12

Our Bounden Duty And Service

So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” — Luke 17:10 BSB

In Christ’s service, there are no off-hours where we cease to be His bondservants or escape His watchful eye. We are always His, always at His disposal, always called to ask what He would have us do. But this isn’t a burden, for He knows our frame and understands that we need time to cool down, rest, and be refreshed. We remember how our Lord called His disciples to leave the busy lakeside and rest with Him for a while. He knows we need rest and change, but He wants even those times of relaxation to be under His guidance because they can often be the most perilous for our soul’s health. How often, after serving others earnestly for Christ, do we say, “Now it’s time for me to enjoy myself; I can relax now.” We act as though we are off duty and no longer under His jurisdiction.

Yet, it’s often in these moments when Christ says to us, “You’ve been so focused on My work that you’ve neglected Me. You’ve thought more about the task and the needs of others than about Me, the One you are serving. Give Me some of your time and love! Prepare something for Me!”

Jesus desires our love. He isn’t satisfied if we give Him all our time, energy, and thought, yet forget to give Him our hearts.

When we have done all that Christ asks of us, we have nothing to boast about. Our good works don’t earn our salvation or merit anything from our Savior. Our greatest service is simply our duty and privilege. It’s a blessing to be fully surrendered to Him, for His service frees us from envy, dissatisfaction, jealousy, and pride. The wonder is that He even invites us to partner with Him (John 13:13-16).

Prayer

Lord, as we go about our daily work, help us to take pleasure in it. Show us clearly what our duty is and help us to be faithful in doing it. Give us strength to act, patience to endure, and by our love for You, make even the unlovely things shine in the light of Your great love. Amen.