Church Bulletin
Luke 17:10, “…….So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”
The other day we received a community magazine put out by a local real estate agent. The magazine contains information about community services, things to do and places to go in the area, it also lists properties for sale and rent. Among the property listings were testimonials from happy customers.
I am all for expressing appreciation when someone has performed well, but I found some of the comments interesting. “B rang us when she said she would………R turned up at the house on time……… K was polite and friendly”. It came across as though such things were out of the ordinary and to have an honest, conscientious approach to one’s job is to go beyond the call of duty. Aren’t these people paid to do what they say they will; shouldn’t they have a pleasant disposition as they work for their customers? Are we supposed to be so impressed with such ordinary things? Wouldn’t it grab your attention if you read, “L came over and helped to prepare for the open inspection because he knew we were busy……… J took less commission because she didn’t achieve the price she said she would.”
It is a sad reflection upon society when it comes to think of integrity as exceptional. In this regard Christians are to be shinning lights. Jesus said “go the extra mile” in other words we are to go beyond what is expected; “turn the other cheek”, not only should we not retaliate when people are rude we are to be gracious and polite.
Having done what is required, we are to look upon ourselves as “unprofitable servants”. Importantly however we are to do more than what is required. And this can be applied across all facets of life. One minister I know regularly speaks about the Christian’s rights. I have never heard him speak about believers denying their rights for the sake of the Gospel. For this reason John Stott describes Christianity as a counter culture; we are to live such different lives that we stand apart. Let us not only receive praise because we have done what we should be doing, but because we have positively gone out of our way. Let us be salt and light in a decaying and dark world.
Andrew