His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21
We are called to be servants, serving God in all He calls us to do which includes serving one another. True service is being obedient to whatever He asks – big or small, public or unseen.
Recently I came across this statement, which gave me pause.
When the master said, “Well done, good and faithful slave,” he was commending the slave’s attitude more than just his accomplishment.
The servant who gained a return of two bags of gold received the same accolade from the master as he who returned five. It wasn’t the amount that caused the master’s response, it was his attitude toward the master. Maybe I’m reading in to it – but they both seemed excited to show the master what they had done with his treasure. Only the disobedient “servant” (are you really a servant if you aren’t serving?) received a rebuke.
The first two participated, excited to be entrusted and involved in the master’s work. The third was fearful, misjudging the character of the master.
God isn’t concerned about who accomplishes more. That would be inconsistent with what He has revealed about His character. But He is concerned about our heart and our attitude.
Doing the right thing isn’t always easy or fun and obedience can be costly. But when I look at the privilege of being about my Master’s work, it IS exciting. He allows us to steward His Kingdom resources and rejoices with us.
It doesn’t matter what it is that He has entrusted to me or whether anyone else sees, I can trust the character of my Master and rejoice in His commendation.
Speak Lord for your servant is listening. 1 Samuel 3:9
